Hazare fast enters 12th day; doctors worried

As Anna Hazare’s fast spilled over to the 12th day, doctors today raised concerns over his health saying they are more worried as the Gandhian’s blood pressure has dipped while heart beat has increased.

More doctors have been stationed at Ramlila Maidan to keep a watch on the health of the 74-year-old Gandhian, whose hunger strike for a strong Lokpal has crossed 260 hours.

Dr. Naresh Trehan, whose team is monitoring Mr. Hazare’s health during the fast, said “We have more concerns than last night. His blood pressure has decreased while heart beats have increased.

“The blood pressure was going steady but it has come down. We have taken blood samples. Due to his weight loss, there is energy loss also,” he said.

He said since blood pressure has decreased, they have doubled the number of doctors at the Maidan to attend to him.

Team Anna sources said doctors were really worried and they fear that his internal organs have started getting affected due to the fast.

Mr. Hazare has lost more than seven kilos since August 16 when he sat on a hunger strike for a strong Lokpal Bill.

Last night, Mr. Trehan said, “There are concerns though his blood pressure and heart beat are okay. He has been asked to take more rest and not to strain himself.”

Hazare’s fast enters sixth day

Anna Hazare’s fast demanding a strong Lokpal bill entered the sixth day Sunday with more and more people pouring into his protest venue, extending support to his campaign.

Mr. Hazare came to the podium at around 10 a.m. as supporters started pouring into Ramlila grounds where he launched his protest on Friday after coming out of Tihar Jail.

After reaching the podium, Mr. Hazare “thanked” people for extending whole-hearted support to his campaign against corruption. “I thank all of you for coming here and supporting the movement,” the 74-year-old anti-corruption crusader said in a brief comment.

Earlier in the morning, Mr. Hazare and his close associates — Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi, Shanti Bhushan, Manish Sisodia — held a meeting. Activist Medha Patkar was also present.

Although the government and Team Anna on Saturday spoke of the need for a dialogue on the Lokpal issue, no such channel of communication has yet been opened, according to activists.