Bhubaneswar: Jaga-Balia, the separated conjoined twins undergoing treatment at All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi, will require five years for their complete recovery, a report of the premiere health institute said.

The AIIMS report comes after the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes wanted to know about the health status of the separated conjoined twins.

The commission had sought reports from AIIMS and the ministry of health and family welfare following a petition moved by rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy.

The petitioner had pleaded that the conjoined twins, separated after a surgery, were not shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar from Delhi.

"This is the only craniopagus surgery ever conducted by it. The condition of Balia has improved now. He is receiving normal diet and physiotherapy can be done either by his parents or attendants," the report said.

Medical college hospitals in Odisha, including AIIMS Bhubaneswar, are now well equipped to take care of the twins, the report said.

Balia is neurologically weak and will take longer to recover, the AIIMS report said.

"We shall be happy to provide guidance and care to these children at suitable point of time for their best outcome. A team of doctors from Odisha can visit to enquire about the condition of both the children at AIIMS, Delhi," the report said.

Youth shot at

A youth suffered critical injuries after being shot at on the Balangir-Titlagarh Road in Balangir on Wednesday. Dilip Patnaik suffered bullet injuries on his chest and waist. Patnaik was initially admitted to Balangir District Headquarters Hospital, but later shifted to a hospital in Burla as his condition worsened.

However, the accused is yet to be identified and there is no information about the reason behind the attack yet, sources close to the matter said.

A police investigation is currently underway.