Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has “responded well” to treatment, a statement by Apollo Hospital, Chennai, said on Thursday, a week after the 68-year-old leader was admitted there for fever and dehydration. There has been little information on her health since she was taken to the facility, leaving cadres worried and creating speculation that she was more seriously ill than her party is letting on.

“Necessary evaluation tests are being carried out. The Honourable Chief Minister has been advised few days stay in the hospital,” the statement added.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader CR Saraswathi told NDTV, “Chief Minister Jayalalithaa is under observation and absolutely fine. Soon she will be discharged and start her regular duty.” Saraswathi said Jayalalithaa had been meeting her ministers in hospital and carrying out much of her work from there.