Union Minister Without Portfolio Murasoli Maran, who is being treated at the Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas, since�November, suffered a sudden decline in his�condition on Wednesday, but has shown improvement since, sources told rediff.com

"On July 9, the minister had difficulties breathing due to a lung infection and other complications.�He was in a critical� condition. Although the complications continue, he�is better now," family friends said.

"He has been ill for so many months.�Doctors�examine him every day. It has been kind of back and forth many times in the past eight�months," the family's friends said.

Maran was flown to the US November 14 after developing medical complications following�surgery in India. He underwent a 'high risk emergence surgery' on September 25�for replacement of an infected mitral valve in Chennai.

He has been in a coma for many weeks. "Sometimes he wakes up, looks at things," the sources said, but denied he was on a life support system.

Hospital officials said no�information could be provided except that the patient is in intensive care.

Maran's sons Kalanidhi and Dayanidhi are expected to arrive in�Houston�on Friday evening.

"Some family members are always here," the sources said. "On July 9,�his daughter�was here, and tonight his sons are expected."

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