Friends,
The movement to implement the Jan Lok Pal bill has entered into the Seventh day. Sh. Anna Hazare's health has become a serious issue. Doctors said the Gandhian leader was in the "danger zone" and may require urgent hospitalization in the next 24 to 48 hours. Hazare's weight is down to 67 kg from 72 kg; he has lost five kg in seven days, his blood pressure is 130/80 and pulse rate 90, according to the health bulletin. The longest he has fasted previously is 12 days.
When contacted, cardiologist Dr Naresh Trehan, who is leading a team monitoring Hazare's health, said, "His condition is not life-threatening is what I can say." But there is a rise in ketone levels - presence of certain acids and acetone in blood and urine - which means the body is breaking down stored fat instead of the usual glucose.
Dr Anoop Misra of Fortis hospital told TOI, "The patient has already entered the danger zone. He will need medical attention within the next 24-48 hours. The fast may affect the heart, kidney and blood pressure depending upon how fast Anna's ketone level rises."
While Hazare does not yet require hospitalization, his failing health complicates the Centre's political risk as any mishap will prove catastrophic for the Manmohan Singh government. But removing the fasting leader for forced-feeding from Ramlila maidan or administering it there is a fraught job, not the least because of 24x7 media coverage of the protest.
Increased ketones levels are caused by fasting or starvation when the body is deprived of carbohydrates. Persistent high levels after a prolonged hunger strike can harm kidney function. Despite increased water intake, the 74-year-old Gandhian's health condition is deteriorating and he is very weak. He has discontinued morning yoga and has been advised to speak less.
Sources said if Hazare's condition was not rectified, he might soon require hospitalisation to administer insulin intra-venous fluid. "Due to starvation, the ketone levels have increased. Ketone, organic compounds that are acidic in nature, are produced when the body burns fat. It can prove to be life-threatening and affect his brain consciousness, heart and kidney functioning. Urine production is also affected," said a source.
Hazare has earlier declared that if the government tries to force feed him or admit him to a hospital against his wishes he would give up water intake as well. Hazare group member Kiran Bedi said the government remained unconcerned and claimed that there was no response to the suggestion to appoint a negotiator.
Although the government is keen to reach a middle ground, it is unwilling to concede team Hazare's demand that its version of Lokpal be legislated forthwith and the examination of the government draft be short-circuited. Yet, the health dimension adds a sense of urgency to the government's efforts to reach a deal with the activists.
Resumption of Parliament on Tuesday will also worry the government as the Opposition is likely to bring up the health aspects of the fasting Gandhian even as there are clear signs of mounting unease among Congress MPs with some like Sanjay Nirupam, Priya Dutt and Dutta Meghe saying they support Hazare's anti-corruption objectives.
Dr Anoop Misra of Fortis hospital told TOI, "The patient has already entered the danger zone. He will need medical attention within the next 24-48 hours. The fast may affect the heart, kidney and blood pressure depending upon how fast Anna's ketone level rises."
While Hazare does not yet require hospitalization, his failing health complicates the Centre's political risk as any mishap will prove catastrophic for the Manmohan Singh government. But removing the fasting leader for forced-feeding from Ramlila maidan or administering it there is a fraught job, not the least because of 24x7 media coverage of the protest.
Increased ketones levels are caused by fasting or starvation when the body is deprived of carbohydrates. Persistent high levels after a prolonged hunger strike can harm kidney function. Despite increased water intake, the 74-year-old Gandhian's health condition is deteriorating and he is very weak. He has discontinued morning yoga and has been advised to speak less.
Sources said if Hazare's condition was not rectified, he might soon require hospitalisation to administer insulin intra-venous fluid. "Due to starvation, the ketone levels have increased. Ketone, organic compounds that are acidic in nature, are produced when the body burns fat. It can prove to be life-threatening and affect his brain consciousness, heart and kidney functioning. Urine production is also affected," said a source.
Hazare has earlier declared that if the government tries to force feed him or admit him to a hospital against his wishes he would give up water intake as well. Hazare group member Kiran Bedi said the government remained unconcerned and claimed that there was no response to the suggestion to appoint a negotiator.
Although the government is keen to reach a middle ground, it is unwilling to concede team Hazare's demand that its version of Lokpal be legislated forthwith and the examination of the government draft be short-circuited. Yet, the health dimension adds a sense of urgency to the government's efforts to reach a deal with the activists.
Resumption of Parliament on Tuesday will also worry the government as the Opposition is likely to bring up the health aspects of the fasting Gandhian even as there are clear signs of mounting unease among Congress MPs with some like Sanjay Nirupam, Priya Dutt and Dutta Meghe saying they support Hazare's anti-corruption objectives.
