“He is on ventilator and requires periodic dialysis. He is critical, but there has been no further deterioration in his health in the past 24 hours,” Atul Joshi, his consulting physician for over a decade, told IANS.

Pandit Joshi, 88, was rushed to the Sahyadri Hospital here Dec 31 following old-age related ailments and general weakness, Atul Joshi said.

He continues to remain in the intensive care unit of the hospital and is being treated for ailments related to the upper respiratory tract, kidney and intestines.Pandit Joshi was conferred the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award, in 2008.