Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa has recovered and taking normal food.

Disclosing this to mediapersons on the sidelines of an event organised by the hospital today at Perungudi, Apollo Hospitals chairman Dr. Pratap C. Reddy said it was she (Jayalalithaa), who would decide on her discharge, but not him.

“She is a very strong person. She has recovered well,” Dr. Reddy said and added that the Chief Minister was able to speak for a few minutes with the help of a speaker “as she has undergone tracheotomy”.

“Physiotherapy is being given to her to make her stand and walk,” he added.

“When to go home is a minor issue now. The decision will be made by her. The most important part of the treatment is over and it has been very successful. She controls everybody – the doctors and nurses on what she and they should do. She understands herself very well. She will ask us very soon ‘when am I going home.’ It must be on top of her mind. It will not be too long before she sees you all,” Dr. Reddy said.