Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's condition improving

NEW DELHI: The condition of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who is undergoing treatment at AIIMS, was improving, doctors attending on him said on Thursday.

"He is in the ICU and his condition is stable. His chest infection has subsided," Dr Sampath Kumar, chief cardio-thoracic and vascular surgeon at AIIMS, told reporters.

A medical bulletin issued by the hospital on Thursday stated that his vital parameters are normal and his condition is improving.

The 84-year-old BJP leader is spending his time listening to old Hindi film songs.

Vajapyee, known for his penchant for movies, old film music and poetry, has been listening to these songs on AIR FM Gold radio station, said Dr Randeep Guleria, personal physician to the ailing leader.

"Yesterday, I heard him hearing old film music on FM Radio. It was a positive development and so we let it continue. Some time we put on music for him and some time he asks for it to be played. He is now able to sit and listen to music in the morning and in the evening as well," he added.

Vajpayee's ventilatory support has been removed and he is breathing on his own, according to a doctors.

He was admitted to the hospital on February three with complaints of chest infection.