Rabbi Ovadia Yosef regains consciousness, condition improves

93-year-old Shas spiritual leader's doctor says "danger to his life is still there in the background, but less extreme.”

Rabbi Ovadia Yosef 311 (photo credit: Courtesy)
Rabbi Ovadia Yosef 311
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Doctors treating Rabbi Ovadia Yosef said on Wednesday that he is once again conscious and that his general medical condition was improving.
The rabbi, 93, is still on a respirator and his condition is still defined as serious, but the danger to his life is less severe than previously.
Yosef’s doctors added that the level of respiratory aid was now at a lower level.
“Compared to yesterday, and especially, previous days, we are seeing an improvement,” said Professor Dan Gilon, one of Yosef’s doctors.
“The most noticeable indicator is the alertness of the rabbi. The rabbi has to all intents and purposes returned to full consciousness... This is certainly a significant improvement,” Gilon continued.
“He is still on a respirator, but the level of respiratory assistance is smaller. Additionally, the medicinal support for the rabbi’s blood pressure has now almost ceased. Despite the the general situation of an elderly man with serious illnesses, there is a level of improvement which goes beyond the small increases of the past few days.
“The danger to his life is still there in the background, but less extreme.”
Yosef was hospitalized 11 days ago, suffering from severe pain as well as kidney and heart problems.