By Heba Fahmy
CAIRO: Egypt’s Ministry of Health denied on Monday claims that ousted president Hosni Mubarak’s heart stopped for two minutes, after which he was put on a ventilator, according to the Middle East News Agency (MENA).
MENA added that Mubarak’s health was stable and that he remained in his room in Sharm El-Sheikh International Hospital.
According to the state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper, Mubarak suffered from a drop in blood pressure early Sunday, causing him to feel dizzy and lose balance. His pulse was also weak. The paper added that his condition was not serious and did not require transfer to intensive care.
Outspoken journalist and TV presenter Ibrahim Eissa claimed on “El-Midan” show on Tahrir Channel late Sunday that, according to trusted insider sources, Mubarak’s heart stopped for two minutes and that he was temporarily considered “clinically dead.”
Eissa said that Mubarak woke up at 6 am on Sunday to severe chest pains and then lost consciousness, falling to the ground after suffering a heart attack.
Mubarak’s heart stopped for two minutes but he was resuscitated, adding that Mubarak was then put on a ventilator.
Eissa raised questions regarding the government’s reaction should Mubarak pass away, in terms of burial service and whether his sons would be released from Tora prison to attend his funeral.
Mohamed Fathallah, head of Sharm El-Sheikh International Hospital where Mubarak is being detained, refused to comment on the allegations, saying that he was not authorized to speak to the media.
Assistant Interior Minister Adel Adawy couldn’t be reached for comment by press time.
Mubarak is being detained in the hospital in the Red Sea resort, due to his medical condition, until his trial begins on August 3.
He has been charged with corruption and the premeditated and attempted murder of peaceful protesters during the January 25 uprising that eventually toppled him.
