MUMBAI, Oct 11 — Even as he was recuperating from the knee-joint replacement surgery on his left leg at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee learnt today that he may have to undergo similar surgery, this time on his right knee, in another six to eight months. The venue will be the same hospital.

Indications to this effect were available even on Tuesday, the day of the PM’s surgery. Dr Chittaranjan Ranawat, US-based surgeon, who was heading the operating team, said Mr Vajpayee’s right knee was also moderately afflicted with osteoarthritis. Immediately after the surgery, Dr Ranawat had observed, “if you rate the condition of the Prime Minister’s right knee on a scale of mild, moderate and serious, his condition is moderate.”

This was confirmed today by other doctors in the PM Medical Team and the operation will take place in another six to eight months. The doctors pointed out that in a one-third of all knee replacement operations on patients in the 45-65 age group, the surgery was performed on both the legs at the same time. But the overall medical condition of the patient had to be considered for further surgery and it was decided that the PM’s right knee would come under the scalpel after a break of six to eight months.

Mr Vajpayee spent a peaceful day in his hospital room. He read news magazines and newspapers, watched TV and had liquid diet which will continue for another two days. He received visitors, mostly friends and wellwishers and chatted with them briefly. Breach Candy Hospital was less crowded, there were fewer curious onlookers. For many of them who had dropped in on Tuesday, their prayers had been answered. The PM was in good health.

The Prime Minister underwent physiotherapy today. According to reports, he also sat on the bed and will start practising walking with support from tomorrow. He will take short steps within the hospital room with the help of a walker. There were no indications as to when Mr Vajpayee would be discharged.