Tamim to be kept under observation for three months: Doctors

Professor Dr Abu Jafor, the director general of the health directorate, has said that Tamim Iqbal, who suffered a heart attack yesterday (24 March), will hopefully be able to return to his normal life within three months and remain under observation during this time.

"After that, if he wishes, he can return to play," he said.

Dr Jafor also mentioned that Tamim's physical condition, whether it is improving or deteriorating, will be considered and reviewed. "If his medical board grants permission, he will be allowed to play."

This morning (25 March), Dr Jafor, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) Director Dr Abdul Wadud Chowdhury, also a director of the health directorate, and other doctors observed Tamim's latest condition at KPJ Specialised Hospital in Kashimpur, Gazipur.

Later, they briefed the media at the hospital's conference room at around 11:30am.

Dr Jafor mentioned that Tamim's physical condition is promising, but there could be action-reaction risks due to the treatment he has received. There is also a risk that the ring inserted may not function properly. These risks have been explained to his family.

"At the moment, moving him is very risky. We have discussed this with Tamim as well. It is natural for someone to want to go to the best medical facility, but we also considered whether it is safe for him to go. However, they are respecting the decision of the doctors," he said.

Dr Jafor further stated that when the decision was made to take Tamim by helicopter to Dhaka, he suffered a heart attack and was not responsive. "It was then that the attending doctors administered CPR to keep his breathing artificially functioning. By the grace of Allah, Tamim is still with us."

Dr Wadud, a renowned cardiologist, said that in the case of a heart attack, patients often cannot make it to the hospital. But in Tamim's case, that did not happen. The doctors with him kept his breathing artificially functioning and brought him to the hospital.

He added that it was because of appropriate and adequate treatment that they were able to bring Tamim back. "How much has he recovered? This morning, tests were done to check his heart function, and it seems there are no problems.

"However, it is important to remember that this is a disguise; the heart may again face abnormal beats, but the probability is definitely reduced. The issue occurred due to a major blockage, which has now been cleared."

He further stated that they have told him to rest and avoid any strenuous activity for 48 to 72 hours, as this is a critical time. After this period, if Tamim feels well, he may consider going to a better place if he desires.

He also mentioned that if one or two kidneys fail, dialysis can be done, and if one lung fails, the other lung can be kept functional. However, if the heart stops for five minutes, there is a risk of brain damage. Tamim had received a warning earlier, but he could not understand it.

Hospital sources have informed that Tamim was transferred from the CCU to a cabin this morning. The officials from the Health Directorate visited him there.

In response to a question, Dr Jafor said, "He will be kept under observation for three months. Based on his physical condition and whether it is improving or deteriorating, the medical board will make the decision about allowing Tamim to return to play."

He expressed satisfaction with Tamim's current physical condition, but he also stated that something could happen to Bangladesh's left-handed batsman at any time.

He added, "Although all tests are done, the full extent of the illness may not be revealed. Initially, when the ECG was done, no changes were found. An echo was done this morning, and it was fine.

"However, anything could happen at any time. I have discussed these matters seriously with his family members. Now, our decision will depend on their choice. We cannot force anyone."