Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com). Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it exclusively produces is in the public domain. Sharon to be Taken Off Anesthetics ---------------------------------- http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1089830:3919ACA Israeli Prime Minister has been in a medically induced coma for the past week, since he suffered a massive stroke and cerebral hemorrhage Doctors treating Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon say they plan to stop administering all anesthetics to him on Wednesday. Mr. Sharon's doctors say it will likely take about 36 hours for the drugs' effects to leave his body. Ariel Sharon (file photo)Ariel Sharon has been in a medically induced coma for the past week, since he suffered a massive stroke and cerebral hemorrhage. Doctors began reducing his anesthesia several days ago to try to determine the extent of his brain damage. Mr. Sharon's anesthesiologist, Dr. Yoram Weiss, says it will take time to assess Mr. Sharon's condition. "Well it is too early to tell about his ultimate condition," he said. "So we will have to see still." Mr. Sharon's doctors say he is breathing on his own, and all vital signs are within normal limits. He remains in critical but stable condition. They say most of the damage from the stroke seems to be in the right hemisphere of Mr. Sharon's brain, which controls the left side of his body. .