Former President Pranab Mukherjee has been battling for survival since he tested positive for the COVID-19 viral infection. He has been getting treated at Army Research and Referral Hospital in New Delhi for over the past two weeks. 

On Wednesday, the treating hospital has issued a statement concerning the health condition of the former Commander-in-Chief. The hospital said, "Shri Pranab Mukherjee is being treated for a lung infection. His renal parameters are slightly deranged since yesterday. He continues to be in a deep coma and on ventilator support". 

Pranab Mukherjee, who is at his 84, has tested positive for the COVID-19 viral infection on August 10 and he was admitted to the Army Hospital in Delhi where he had undergone an emergency lifesaving surgery on the same day for removal of a clot in his brain. 

Though the surgery was successful, he has been under a battle for life and getting treated in a critical state. The former president said he had visited the hospital for a separate procedure and he has tested positive for the viral infection hours ahead of the surgery. Days after his surgery, he had developed a lung infection and went into a state of comatose and he continues to be in a deep coma.

He has been getting treated on the ventilator support and according to PTI, special prayers were organized Birbhum district in West Bengal, which is the native place of the former president for his speedy recovery. National leaders including his successor Ram Nath Kovind have been extending their wishes and prayers for the former president, as he has been battling against the viral infection. 

Pranab Mukherjee was India's 13th President and immediate predecessor of incumbent Ram Nath Kovind. The former had held the nation's highest office from 2012 to 2017 and he has been conferred with Bharat Ratna- the nation's highest civilian honor last year August. He has bagged various recognitions and accolades during his political career and before assuming the presidency, he had held powerful ministries under the UPA regime.