He had called, concerned over the major surgery she is undergoing on Wednesday.

Since her arrival here at the end of September, surviving Nepali twin Jamuna has gained about two kgs, and now weighs over 20 kgs.

Doctors had feared that the lanky eight-year-old might be too under-nourished for the surgery.

But over the past weeks, she has been eating well and not only put on weight, but also become very cheerful.

She knows of the operation, but takes it in her stride. It is almost commonplace for the girl, who lost her conjoined twin in July.

The two, born joined at the top of their heads, underwent major surgery here to separate them.

It was only this month that doctors discovered she suffered from a relatively rare problem called chiari malformation, where part of her brain has blocked the normal flow of the fluid from her brain down the spinal column.

The fluid has forced its way down the spinal cord, damaging the nerves there. This may well be the reason she has not been able to use her right arm and leg, in spite of intensive physiotherapy.

The problem also gives her headaches.

Paediatric neurosurgeon Keith Goh of East Shore Hospital hopes Wednesday's operation will at least ease her headaches. With some luck, she might also be able to strengthen her right side.

At 2.05pm, Jamuna was wheeled into the operating theatre for the surgery which is expected to take about four hours.

Mrs Alawiyah Gurong, who brought Jamuna to Singapore for treatment, is keeping vigil with Jamuna's mother Madam Sandhya Shrestha, during the long afternoon.