After recovering from complications following a lung transplant, State minister Jagarnath Mahto returned from Chennai on Monday night. He said his topmost priority was to improve the infrastructure of schools run by Jharkhand Government. “I have not got back my portfolios yet. Once I do, my topmost priority will be to improve the infrastructure of government schools in the state,” Mahto said. On Tuesday he further said, “I got a fresh lease of life due to the prayers of the people, the care of my doctors and the support of Chief minister Hemant Soren.”
The 54-year-old JMM lawmaker from Dumri assembly constituency in Giridih district was airlifted to Chennai’s MGM Hospital on October 19 last year after his lungs were damaged by a bout of Covid-19 infection. After a successful lung transplant, Mahto returned in January but was readmitted after developing a fungal infection in his lungs post-surgery. Even Mahto’s medical expenses were borne by the Jharkhand government. Whilst he was away, Mahto’s ministerial portfolios (education and excise departments) were taken over by Soren. “His vital parameters are normal. He was discharged from the hospital in Chennai 20 days ago and was staying for checkups in a rented service apartment close to the hospital,” a member of Mahto’s medical team said.
On Monday, Mahto visited his doctors before flying out to Ranchi in a chartered plane provided by the state government. After arriving at Ranchi’s Birsa Munda International Airport late on Monday evening, he was welcomed by Hemant Soren and JMM lawmaker Sudviya Kumar along with family members and others. Mahto headed to his government bungalow and upon arrival, walked straight into his residential office. “He went through various documents and files, indicating that he is raring to go to work,” said Dr. Pradip Bhattacharya, professor and HOD of critical care at RIIMS, Ranchi. “He was perfectly normal. After returning from hospital, he had a hearty meal of rice and mutton curry,” a source said.
Although Mahto will be required to visit Chennai for a follow-up examination 12 months later, his health will be monitored daily by Bhattacharya and his team. “Since he is on immunosuppressive drugs, it is important that he does not get infected again as his immunity is low. As doctors, we have advised him to avoid going out in public and stay at least 20 feet away from people,” Bhattacharya added.