Falak to be gradually weaned off ventilator

Doctors at AIIMS will gradually wean two-year-old battered Falak off the ventilator so that she can resume breathing on her own.

Falak is on ventilatory support since the time of her admission to the hospital on January 18.

Doctors yesterday conducted the fifth life saving surgery on her after no infection was found present in her brain.

"It has been over a month and she is still dependent on ventilator as she cannot breathe on her own. This is not a good sign. That is why we have decided to gradually remove her dependence on ventilator," neurosurgeon Dr Deepak Agarwal, who is treating her, said.

Falak underwent a shunt surgery yesterday during which doctors connected her brain with the abdomen to help circulation of fluid in the whole body.

The child was brought to the hospital in a battered state with severe head injuries, broken arms, bite marks all over her body and cheeks branded with hot iron.