Uma Thomas makes progress in recovery after severe fall; remains in intensive care

Kochi (The Uttam Hindu): Congress legislator Uma Thomas, who suffered severe injuries after falling 15 feet at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday, was successfully taken off a ventilator on Saturday. Six days following the accident, Thomas was able to sit up on her hospital bed. Her recovery is being closely monitored due to a rib injury that has caused ongoing breathing difficulties. Dr. Krishnanunni Polakulathhe the head of her medical team, had previously expressed concerns about the rib injury complicating her recovery and the challenge of weaning her off the ventilator. However, the team managed to do so on Saturday, although she will remain in intensive care for a few more days.

The incident took place during a Guinness World Record attempt for a mass dance performance, involving around 12,500 participants. After greeting state Culture Minister Saji Cherian, Thomas tripped over a barricade near the VIP pavilion. The event, organized by the CPIM-controlled Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), has faced criticism for inadequate safety measures. An investigation was initiated, and three people were arrested and later released on bail. The GCDA also suspended a woman engineer for negligence. Uma Thomas who represents the Thrikkakara Assembly constituency entered politics following the death of her husband Congress veteran P.T. Thomas in December 2021. She won the bypoll with a margin of over 25,000 votes defying expectations of a Left victory. Known for her polite demeanor and well-researched speeches she is the only woman Congress legislator in the current Kerala Assembly and holds a significant position within her party.