Doctors satisfied with Mandela treatment

（Xinhua）  09:10, December 20, 2012

CAPE TOWN, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- South African President Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday that doctors are satisfied with the progress former president Nelson Madela is making duiring his treatment.

"They (doctors) say there is no crisis, but add that they are in no hurry to send him home just yet until they are satisfied that he has made sufficient progress," Zuma said.

Mandela has been hospitalized since Dec. 8 for a lung infection and gallstones. He underwent a successful surgery to have the gallstones removed last week after doctors attended to his lung infection. He remains under medical care in a Pretoria hospital and is recovering, according to the Presidency.

"If he spends more days in hospital, it is because that necessary care is being provided. We wish the family strength during this period. They have the love and support of the whole nation," Zuma said.

While once again urging the public to continue supporting Mandela, Zuma said the public should understand that Mandela is 94 years old and needs extra-ordinary care.

Also on Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Mr. Mac Maharaj went to see Mandela. "He is looking much better," said Maharaj.

Mandela's health has been a focus of concern. His hospital stay this time is his longest since 2001, when he underwent seven weeks of radiotherapy after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

In January 2011, Mandela was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital for an acute respiratory infection for a short period. In February this year, he spent a night in a hospital for a minor diagnostic surgery to determine the cause of an abdominal complain.

Mandela, who was imprisoned for 27 years during apartheid, was elected the country's first black president in 1994.