New Delhi: Senior BJP leader and former deputy prime minister Lal Krishna Advani, 98, was discharged from Indraprastha Apollo Hospital on Monday after receiving treatment for a chest infection, the hospital said in a statement.
Admission and care
Advani was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on the evening of 16 October after he developed symptoms related to a chest infection. He was managed by Dr Vinit Suri, senior consultant in neurology, and the hospital said his medical condition had improved sufficiently to allow discharge.
“Mr LK Advani, who was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on 16th October with a chest infection, is being discharged today. He has been under the care of Dr Vinit Suri, Senior Consultant – Neurology and has shown improvement in his medical status,” the statement read.
The hospital note did not provide additional clinical details such as investigations performed or whether Advani required respiratory support while under observation. Earlier reports said he had been in the intensive care unit briefly during the admission and was kept under close medical monitoring.
Recent hospital visits and context
Advani’s discharge follows several short hospitalisations over the past year linked to age-related medical concerns. Public records from previous coverage show the following pattern of care:
- December 2024: Admitted to the intensive care unit at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital for treatment and medical investigations; condition described as stable at the time.
- July 2024: Admitted to Apollo Hospital after a brief stay at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and discharged after treatment.
- May 2026: Earlier in the year, Advani had a short admission at Apollo for concerns attributed to advancing age and was discharged after a few days.
Advani has held several high offices, including three terms as BJP president and a tenure as Union home minister and deputy prime minister in the National Democratic Alliance government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. His advanced age and recurring brief hospital stays have drawn attention to the healthcare needs of elderly public figures.
Implications and public-interest angle
Hospital admissions of senior leaders often prompt public interest in the nature of care provided and the transparency of health updates. Medical teams typically balance patient confidentiality with the public’s right to know about the health of prominent public representatives. In this instance, the hospital issued a concise statement confirming admission, clinical oversight and improvement.
From a health-systems perspective, management of acute respiratory or chest infections in older adults commonly involves assessment for pneumonia, monitoring of oxygenation, hydration and treatment of any underlying or contributory conditions. The hospital’s brief statement confirms clinical improvement but does not elaborate on specific diagnostics or follow-up arrangements.
Short timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 16 October | Admitted to Indraprastha Apollo Hospital with chest infection |
| 16–19 October | Hospital care under Dr Vinit Suri; condition improved |
| Monday (Discharge) | Released from hospital after improvement |
The hospital confirmed the discharge on Monday but did not give a precise time or detail plans for follow-up care at home. There was no immediate comment from the BJP beyond the medical bulletin issued by the hospital.
As a public-health matter, chest infections in elderly patients warrant close follow-up because of higher risks of complications, including exacerbation of chronic conditions. Continued monitoring by the treating team or a nominated physician is a routine part of post-discharge care in such cases.
No further information on his present activities or schedule was released by the hospital.
