Former health minister’s condition deteriorates

The health condition of former health minister Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih is deteriorating as she undergoes treatment for her lung cancer, a high-ranking official has confirmed.

Deputy Health Minister Ali Ghufron Mukti confirmed on Tuesday that Endang, who resigned from her position last week, was still receiving medical treatment at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Central Jakarta.

“Yes, I have received information that her condition has worsened,” Ali said as quoted by tribunnews.com.

The deputy minister, who has been assigned to temporarily assume Endang’s former duties, refused to give further comments on the ex-minister’s condition.

Endang, 57, has been receiving medical treatment at the hospital since April 20.

A former researcher at the ministry, Endang was appointed health minister in 2009. In October 2010, she revealed her illness to the public, which drew concerns over her ability to perform her duties.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visited Endang before she tendered her resignation on Thursday while State-Owned Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan paid a visit on Tuesday evening.

The Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital chief, Akmal Taher, said that the former minister's health was indeed deteriorating and she had been unconscious in the past two days. (asa/dic)