By Matters India Reporter

Udupi: A special prayer service was held at the Mother of Sorrows Church in Udupi for the recovery of Congress leader Oscar Fernandes, who is under treatment at a private hospital here following a head injury.

Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo of Udupi conducted the July 23 prayer service.

Addressing the gathering, former minister Vinay Kumaar Sorake said doctors are providing the best treatment to Fernandes.

He had the opportunity to serve at the national level for a long period. Though the doctors are putting their efforts, prayers are also needed at this juncture, he said.

“We have offered prayers in mosques, church and also in temples. Let us pray for his speedy recovery,” he added.

The 80-year-old former federal minister was admitted to Yenepoya Speciality Hospital in Mangaluru on July 18 after he suffered a fall while doing yoga at his apartment in the city, family sources said.

Prayers were also held at various religious centers in Udupi such as St Francis Xavier Church Udyavar, Polipu Jamia Masjid, Kapu Janardhan Temple and Sri Vishwanath Kshetra.

Doctors treating him on July 23 said Fernandes’ health improved slightly in the Intensive Care Unit.

“Our top team of experts is keeping a close watch on all parameters,” a doctor told reporters.

Senior Congress leaders, including state party chief D K Shivakumar, leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah and state working president Saleem Ahmed have visited Fernandes at the hospital.

Earlier, a close aide of Fernandes had said doctors were assessing the feasibility of performing a surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain.

Meanwhile, one of Fernandes’ relatives requested the public not to pay heed to rumors regarding his health. “Now is not the time for any negativity as we hope he will recover soon. The doctors are making all efforts to ensure his wellbeing and fast recovery. While we thank the party leaders and others for extending moral support to us at this juncture, we would also like to request people not to spread any rumors regarding his condition,” the relative said.