Indian gang—rape victim takes "turn for the worse": hospital

SINGAPORE: The medical condition of an Indian gang—rape victim has "taken a turn for the worse", the Singapore hospital treating her said in a statement issued late on Friday.

"Her vital signs are deteriorating with signs of severe organ failure," Kelvin Loh, chief executive officer of Mount Elizabeth Hospital, said.

"This is despite doctors fighting for her life including putting her on maximum artificial ventilation support, optimal antibiotic doses as well as stimulants which maximise her body’s capability to fight infections."

He added: "Her family members have been informed that her condition has deteriorated and they are currently by her side to encourage and comfort her."

Dr Loh also said the High Commission of India is with the patient and her family at this critical time, and the medical team at the hospital continues to provide all possible treatment and care.

Earlier on Friday the victim was described by doctors in Singapore as "struggling against the odds, and fighting for her life" after she was found to have a lung infection and brain injury. While still in India she had suffered a heart attack.

She had also been diagnosed with severe intestinal injuries as a result of being attacked with an iron bar during the assault.

Shortly after the latest hospital statement was issued, an AFP reporter outside the intensive care unit where the victim is being treated saw nurses wheeling in medical equipment.

There was a flurry of activity and loud sobs were heard from the room, but they subsided a short while later.

The victim was treated in Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital after the attack, in which six men raped her.

— AFP/CNA/xq