New medical report: favorable evolution, no discharge date
Sanatorio Mater Dei released a new medical report on Monday, September 21, shortly before noon, stating that Mirtha Legrand continues to improve as expected. The 99-year-old host has been hospitalized since Friday, September 18, due to a delicate respiratory condition. The statement, signed by Dr. Enrique Echagüe, medical director of the clinic, says she will continue with specific treatment for the condition and the necessary controls. It adds that she has received visits from her closest relatives, who expressed gratitude for the respect and affection shown. The report also announces that, unless there are changes, a new medical report will be issued on Wednesday, indicating she will remain hospitalized at least until then.[S1][S2][S4][S5][S6]
The new report does not mention a discharge date. According to the clinic, Legrand will stay in her room to complete all relevant medical studies and finish the indicated therapy for the lung condition. The medical team considered it prudent not to rush the timeline, despite the encouraging sign that she rested without major interruptions in recent hours. The statement also notes that she is under strict medical supervision and accompanied by her family.[S3][S4][S5]
A second hospitalization in less than a week
This is the second time Mirtha Legrand has been admitted to Sanatorio Mater Dei in September. She first entered on Monday, September 7, for a bronchitis condition that followed a flu-like episode. After seven days, she was discharged on the night of Sunday, September 13, and returned to her home in Barrio Parque to continue her recovery. However, on the afternoon of Friday, September 18, she had to return to the clinic for new studies and further medical supervision. After passing through the emergency room, she was admitted to a special intensive care room. Since then, she has remained hospitalized and accompanied by her relatives.[S1][S2][S3][S6]
The clinic reported that her new condition is compatible with a lung disease. In the program Arriba Argentinos, journalist May Martorelli shared details about her health, noting that the last medical report mentioned a bacterium causing the condition, which led to an adjustment in the antibiotic regimen and increased hydration. Sources close to the host said both hospitalizations were voluntary and that she maintains a positive mood. The clinic has restricted visits to prevent infections, given the delicate respiratory condition, but her closest family members have been by her side.[S3]
Impact on television and Juana Viale's role
Mirtha Legrand's health has also affected the programming of El Trece. For the past three weeks, Juana Viale has taken over the hosting duties of La noche de Mirtha, the historic Saturday program usually led by her grandmother. On the broadcast of Saturday, September 19, Viale opened the show with a message dedicated to her grandmother, saying she was there accompanying the audience while her grandmother finished recovering. Before the program ended, she confirmed that Mirtha had been hospitalized again, information she received during the recording on Friday, September 18. Viale said her grandmother was back in the hospital for check-ups and tests, that everything would be fine, and that she expected to host the following Saturday as well.[S1]
It is not yet confirmed when Mirtha Legrand will be able to resume recording her program. Her return to television will depend on her evolution and the instructions of the professionals treating her. Meanwhile, the ratings for the Saturday program have been low. The latest broadcast, featuring panelists Martín Menem, Jésica Bossi, Guillermo Pfening, Juana Repetto, and Álvaro Navia, averaged 2.9 points, four tenths less than the previous week. The most-watched program of the day was PH, podemos hablar, with 6 points, a drop of 2.2 points.[S1]
