Dolphy still in ICU, contracts pneumonia anew

MANILA, Philippines - The move to transfer comedy king Dolphy to a regular room at the Makati Medical Center (MCC) was deferred after he contracted pneumonia again yesterday.

According to the 3:30 p.m. medical bulletin released by the MMC, although the blood transfusion and dialysis for the 83-year-old comedian went well and all his other vital signs were stable, he had contracted pneumonia.

“Blood transfusion and dialysis went well for Dolphy and all other conditions remain the same. However, he has contracted pneumonia again and is advised by doctors to take full rest,” the bulletin said.

The medical bulletin also said that doctors have placed Dolphy under close monitoring.

Last Friday, Dolphy’s son, actor Eric Quizon told reporters that as his father’s condition continues to improve, they might move him to a regular room from the hospital’s intensive care unit within the week.

He noted that while his father had been cleared of an earlier case of pneumonia, the comedy king is still susceptible to the disease because of his weakened immune system.

Quizon added that his father’s kidneys have improved from 10 to just above 20 percent, along with his digestive system.

He also told reporters that the tracheostomy tube, now attached to his father’s neck to enable him to breathe, would remain.