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Suharto's health 'improving'

Jan 06 2008

Suharto's health 'improving'

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By Agencies

Suharto, the former Indonesian president, has refused to go overseas for treatment [EPA]
Doctors in Indonesia say the medical condition of Suharto is improving after the former president responded well to kidney dialysis.

The 86-year-old was admitted to hospital in critical condition but his vital signs improved on Sunday after he was put on a dialysis machine on Saturday evening.

Suharto was admitted to the Pertamina Hospital on Friday with swollen organs, a dangerously low heart rate and anaemia.

Mardjo Subiandono, the chief presidential doctor, said: "Much of the excess fluid in his organs was drained, his blood pressure returned to normal levels and he smiled again."

But he said Suharto was "still in critical condition because his blood pressure could drop at any time".

Suharto was also receiving a blood transfusion and needs a second pacemaker, doctors said.

Suharto ruled the world's fourth-most populous country for 32 years, stepping down in 1998 amid political upheaval and an economic crisis that triggered widespread opposition to his government.

Health problems

Suharto

Born June 8, 1921

Served as general in Indonesian army

Seized power from Indonesia's first president Sukarno in 1965

Established 'New Order' government characterised by strong central government and repression of dissent

Forced to resign in 1998 amid widespread protests triggered by Asian financial crisis

Suharto has been hospitalised on a number of occasions in recent years suffering from various problems, including intestinal bleeding and strokes.

Djoko Rahardjo, Suharto's chief physician, said the former president was conscious but his condition was worse than on previous occasions.

"We are trying our best," he said, adding that Suharto had told his family he did not want to be taken overseas for treatment.

Suharto, who came to power after a botched 1965 coup attempt that was blamed on communists, has lived in seclusion in Jakarta's Menteng neighbourhood since he stepped down.

After he was pushed from power, Suharto was put on trial on charges of embezzling hundreds of millions of dollars in state money, but the government dropped the case due to his poor health.

However, a civil suit is currently being heard over the charges.