Bhubaneswar: BJD President and Leader of Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, is scheduled to undergo a procedure for cervical arthritis on June 22nd at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai.
The veteran leader shared this update on his X (formerly Twitter) account today, assuring the people of Odisha that he looks forward to returning soon to continue serving them.
In his post, Shri Patnaik stated, “As advised by medical experts, I would be undergoing a procedure for cervical arthritis on 22nd of this month at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. My personal doctor Dr Ramakant Panda is coordinating this in Mumbai. With blessings of Lord Jagannatha and good wishes of my brothers and sisters of Odisha, looking forward to returning soon to continue to serve all of you.”
The news comes after recent speculation regarding Shri Patnaik’s health, particularly during the recent Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Dr. Ramakant Panda, a renowned cardiac surgeon and Chairman of the Asian Heart Institute in Mumbai, is personally coordinating the procedure, indicating the significance of the medical attention Shri Patnaik will receive.
Cervical arthritis, also known as cervical spondylosis or osteoarthritis of the neck, is a common age-related condition that affects the spinal disks and joints in neck.
Cervical spondylosis is very common, affecting more than 85% of people over the age of 60. Many people have it without experiencing any symptoms.
Surgery is generally considered when conservative treatments fail to provide relief, or if there are significant neurological symptoms indicating compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots.
The announcement has garnered widespread well-wishes from across Odisha, with many expressing prayers for his speedy recovery and an early return to public life.
Among those conveying their good wishes are his long-time friends and political colleagues, including veteran leader AU Singh Deo, and senior BJD Lawmaker Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo.
As a five-time former Chief Minister, Shri Patnaik’s health is a matter of keen interest to the state, and his forthcoming procedure will be closely watched.