ENGLISH DEYEA NEWS

by Solomon | New Delhi (Mizzima) - Veteran journalist and politician U Win Tin, released from prison after nearly two decades, was hospitalized at the Yangon Medical Centre (YMC) on Thursday after his health deteriorated and he was too weak to function normally, a nurse at the clinic said.

"We found his heart weak and he was unable to function normally. It could be dangerous for him, so he is being admitted and we are diagnosing his illness," the nurse told Mizzima over telephone.

Hla Oo, son of Win Tin's friend Maung Maung Khin, at whose house the veteran politician has been putting up since his release, said they rushed him to hospital when they found that he was coughing continuously and finding it difficult to breathe. He is 79.

The nurse said they are worried that there could be some infection in his lungs and an X-ray of the chest will be done today to determine the problem.

"We will know the result of the diagnosis by this [Friday] evening," the nurse said.

U Win Tin, whose health began deteriorating during his overtly long stay in prison, is suffering from diabetes and cardiac problems and coughs constantly, which is why Hla Oo said they took him to the clinic.

Win Tin, who was among the founders of the National League for Democracy, was arrested in 1989 and served a total of 19 years in prison. He was released on September 23, 2008.

Win Tin is also said to have served as a special adviser to the detained Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi before his arrest.