Doctor puts to rest fears about Hazare's health
Anna Hazare supporters need not worry about his health. Dr Parag Sancheti, chairman of city-based Sancheti Institute of Orthopedics, said he had seen Hazre in much worse circumstances earlier. He was rushed to Gurgaon's Medanta Medicity Hospital soon after Hazare broke his fast. Reiterating Team Anna's stand that his health was stable, Dr Sancheti said that Anna, who has been his patient for the last few years, is physically fit except for a few blood pressure problems.
In fine fettle: Anna Hazare breaks his fast with coconut waterand honey offered by little girls Simran
Dr Sancheti said he had been called in by Team Anna to persuade Hazare to break his fast, given his long-term association with the activist, but before things could reach a saturation point, Congress leader Vilasrao Deshmukh reached the Ramlila Maidan with news of people's victory.
"Anna has been suffering from a condition known as osteoarthritis, a degenerative problem usually seen in people above 40 years of age, for years. The last time he came to see me in Pune after his hunger strike, I had advised strictly against skipping meals as his condition was worsening due to it. But, this time I saw him after 11 days of fasting, he was much better and besides blood pressure and cholesterol, didn't seem to have any major health issues," said Sancheti.
Stating that the last time he had seen Hazare, he had immense knee pain aggravated by fasts, he was surprised that this time the pain had magically disappeared. "His knee pain was non-existent. It may be because he was resting most of the time, which was a good thing for his health. Last time, he needed steroid injections, physiotherapy and traction but no such things are required anymore. He just needs simple care and constant monitoring," said Sancheti.
Asked if Anna would be shifted to Sancheti hospital later for treatment, Dr Parag said it might not happen immediately. "Maybe 10 days or a fortnight later, he might come for a routine check-up after he is discharged from current medical care and the furore has settled a bit," said Sancheti. At the moment, Anna's weakness has compelled doctors to advise him complete bed rest.
Sources close to Team Anna said that apart from blood pressure, Anna's heart rate, which is slightly high, and dehydration is a cause for concern for the treating doctors at present. Anna is being given only honey and coconut water at regular intervals; solid foods might be started a little later.