Following his successful angioplasty at the Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI) CN Sharma was expected to be released from hospital yesterday after doctors cleared him for a discharge.
The Justice for All Party leader had a stent inserted into his arteries on Monday and his condition was being monitored. Interventional cardiologist at CHI, Dr Pratik Soni has indicated that Sharma could go home because he is doing well.
“I am feeling good… the procedure was successful,” Sharma said yesterday during a brief interview.
He was sitting up and chatting with visitors at the time in addition to answering telephone calls. He pointed out that his cellular phone had been ringing frequently since his story went public.
CN Sharma told Stabroek News the procedure was to have been done in Miami where his medical treatments are usually done. However, he cancelled the overseas trip and decided to seek the services at CHI based on “good reviews about the place”. He praised Dr Soni saying his treatment and care at the institute has been of the highest standard.
“Here is an institution in our country where quality care is being offered and our leaders and government officials have never placed any faith in it to come here and be treated,” Sharma said.
He said the institute is offering excellent services at a reasonable cost, but he noted that for the average Guyanese the cost would have to be subsidized by government as is currently being done for some patients.
He commented on the absence of skilled and experienced doctors such as Dr Soni in the country, noting that Guyana needs more specialists in the system. Dr Soni, who was recruited from India, is currently a Senior Consultant of interventional cardiology and he joined the team at CHI last year.
Sharma said public support has been tremendous since news of his operation got out. “People have been calling me from all over this country and I am so grateful for that. People are concerned and I am thankful for that,” he added.
Sharma is likely to be away from his television programme for another few days.
The broadcaster said he has to rest for a short while before returning to work, but he insisted that his work will continue soon.
He said too that he will continue to watch his health and pay closer attention to what needs to be done including staying on medication.