Jan Lokpal Bill: Hazare's condition 'stable', doctors keeping close watch

NEW DELHI: Amid growing concern over Anna Hazare's health as his fast crossed over 200 hours, a team of doctors tonight said his condition was "stable" but they will keep a close watch on him.

"We have conducted blood tests and other tests. His condition is stable and better than yesterday. Still we will have to keep a close watch on him," Dr Naresh Trehan told reporters at the Ramlila Ground after examining 74-year-old Hazare, whose fast continued for the ninth day today.

He said Hazare's heart and blood pressure are stable. "We will again conduct a check up later in the night. He should take enough rest," Trehan said.

Concerns mounted over Hazare's health after he refused doctors' advice last night as well as this morning to be put on an intravenous drip.

The anti-corruption crusader has lost another 200 grams in the past 24 hours with his weight settling at 66.2 kg. He was 72 kg before he began his fast on August 16.

Trehan, along with his team, is monitoring Hazare's health.

Earlier in the morning, the doctors had asked Hazare to cooperate with them and take IV drip but he refused, saying his "inner conscience" does not allow him to do so.

"The ketone level in blood is increasing. We had recommended Hazare's hospitalisation to ensure that he does not come in the danger zone," Trehan had said this morning.

Hazare yesterday disregarded doctor's advice to be put on IV drip and refused to take any medicine and warned government against trying to forcibly evict him from the protest site of Ramlila Maidan here. He asked supporters to block the gates to the grounds if any such an attempt was made.