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Elite commandos gear up for PM's visit

Hospital sources said that since Monday officers and men of the SPG have carried out a series of checks, inside and outside the hospital. The officers accompanied by the local police also visited neighbouring buildings and shops as part of a security drill.

Vajpayee is likely to arrive on October 8 and be operated on October 10 by New York-based physician Dr Chittaranjan Ranawat and his team. The US-based doctor performs operations at Breach Candy hospital once a year.

Sources said that Police Commissioner M N Singh spoke to SPG officers regarding security arrangements. ''Tight security will be maintained during the PM's operation at Breach Candy and his subsequent stay at the Raj Bhavan here,'' they said.

Sources said that Vajpayee will be operated on the sixth or seventh floor of the hospital. The entire floor is likely to be cordoned off. Vajpayee will be in the hospital for at least four days after the surgery and then will be shifted to Raj Bhavan.

Cyrus Engineer, general manager (planning and marketing) at Breach Candy hospital said, ''It is a matter of pride for the hospital that the PM witl be operated here. We have treated patients suffering from osteoarthritis and Vajpayee will receive the best treatment.''

Ranawat will assisted by a team of surgeons led by Dr Farokh Udwadia. Senior medical professionals will assist them. Dr S Dave, director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences will accompany the PM from New Delhi.

Coastal patrolling in this island city will also be stepped up during the prime minister's stay. SPG officers also surveyed the city's coastline, sources said and added that they are in touch with the deputy commissioner of police in-charge of protection of VVIPs.

While tight security will be maintained at the hospital, sources said that it will be ensured that other patients are not disturbed. An entrance has been reserved for the PM's team.

Union Information Technology Minister Pramod Mahajan, who was recently in town and discussed the arrangements with hospital director Dr K G Nair, said that special health bulletins will be issued for the media. Hospital sources said that a special enclosure will be made and Mahajan is likely to brief the press regularly.

Senior administrative officials of the hospital are in touch with the Prime Minister's Office in New Delhi. Union Health Minister C P Thakur has also held discussions with the hospital, according to sources.

UNI

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