Chinese Dissident Thanks Supporters From Hospital

A prominent Chinese dissident thanked his supporters Monday from a hospital, where he was undergoing treatment for a heart problem, arthritis and exhaustion.

Wei Jingsheng, who arrived here Sunday directly from Beijing, was in fair condition, said Henry Ford Hospital spokeswoman Jill Nestman.

“For health reasons, I need to undergo medical tests and treatment and rest for a few days before I can meet with everyone,” Wei said in a statement.

Wei, 47, who lost his teeth in prison, has some difficulty eating and suffers from extreme exhaustion and hypertension, said Dr. Thomas Royer, Henry Ford’s chief medical officer.

Royer wouldn’t elaborate on Wei’s condition, per the patient’s request.

Doctors are focusing on two areas of care - heart and arthritis, Royer said.

Xiao Qiang, executive director of New York-based Human Rights in China, relayed Wei’s appreciation for worldwide expressions of concern about his condition.

“He is exhausted and has gone through many medical checkups, but he’s also quite excited to see his family,” said Xiao, who added Wei got only two hours of sleep Sunday night.