Odisha CM meets Jaga-Kalia at AIIMS, assures further support

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik visited All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi to inquire about the health conditions of now separated conjoined twins Jaga-Kalia on Sunday.

He prayed for their speedy recovery and assured further support for the treatment of the twins.

Jaga and Kalia – craniopagus twins, joined at the head – were separated on 25th October, after a marathon surgery that lasted for over 11 hours at AIIMS, New Delhi.

“The twins seem to be getting on very well. I thanked the doctors for the remarkable job that they are doing and I also pray with the people of our state for their quick recovery and good health,” Patnaik told media persons after meeting Jaga-Kalia.

The Office of the Chief Resident Commissioner, Odisha government is constantly monitoring, supervising and providing logistic support to Jaga-Kalia.

During his visit to AIIMS, the Chief Minister met both the children – Jaga and Kalia – and provided some soft toys for them to play with.

He also met the parents and inquired about their general condition and wellbeing of Jaga-Kalia. Both the parents expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for all the support that has been provided to them by Odisha government.

He also discussed the health condition of the children and about their ongoing treatment with Director, AIIMS, Prof. Randeep Guleria and Prof. Ashok Mohapatra.

The Professors explained that both the children are recuperating well and are being constantly monitored.

They stated that while Jaga is far more stable, Kalia who is still under intensive care is improving gradually and they hope that he will also stabilize fast.

The Chief Minister assured the parents that Odisha government will be happy to provide any further assistance as may be required by them.

He also assured the Director, AIIMS that the state government would be pleased to provide all necessary support for the full treatment of the children and advised that they should be provided with the best care and treatment.

The state government has already sanctioned Rs 1 crore from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the twins’ surgery.

The Chief Minister thanked Prof. Guleria and Prof. Mohapatra and the entire team of doctors for performing an incredible job and for their untiring efforts in saving the precious lives of the two little children from Odisha.

Dr Randeep Guleria informed that the health condition of both Jaga-Kalia is stable.

Kalia, who was taken off the ventilator on Saturday, is also improving, he added.