Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is undergoing dialysis at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) ahead of a kidney transplant surgery that may take place in the next few days, a hospital official said on Sunday.

“Jaitleyji would be on dialysis for some days before the kidney transplant operation is conducted,” said the official at the country’s premier hospital.

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When kidneys are failing, dialysis is required to cut the build-up of wastes and toxins in the blood, which otherwise can lead to numerous complications and impact the success rate of surgery and the recovery after the transplant, said the official.

Though it was not clear as to how long the dialysis may continue before the 65-year-old minister is operated for the kidney transplant, sources say it can happen any day.

Jaitley, who is suffering from a kidney-related ailment, was admitted in the hospital on Friday evening.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has formed a special team of doctors for the surgery which will be led by doctor VK Bansal. Sandeep Guleria, a specialist from Apollo Hospitals and brother of AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria, is likely to carry out the operation.

He was admitted to the Cardio-Neuro Tower in AIIMS on Friday and has been under observation since then. Tests are being done on him and the donor, whose identity is a secret.

The minister, who underwent a gastric bypass weight loss surgery for diabetes management in 2014, is likely to remain under observation for at least a fortnight at the hospital after the surgery.

The minister, who suffers from chronic diabetes, had heart surgery several years ago as well. Jaitley is a key member of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet and presented his fifth and the present NDA government’s final full budget on 1 February.

Several senior leaders including Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Jammu and Kashmir former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal have wished him a quick recovery.

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In December 2016, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had undergone a kidney transplant at AIIMS.

In February 2018, Manohar Parrikar, the Chief Minister of Goa and a former Defence Minister in the PM Modi-led government, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is currently undergoing treatment in the United States.

(With agency inputs)