Anna takes docs advice,ends fast

A weak Anna Hazare broke his fast by drinking lime juice offered to him by Ralegan Siddhi resident,five-year-old Prateeksha Patangale.

A weak Anna Hazare broke his fast by drinking lime juice offered to him by Ralegan Siddhi resident,five-year-old Prateeksha Patangale. Soon after,Anna was administered the antibiotioc erythromycin which he had not taken since he was on an empty stomach.

Annas fluctuating vital signs had been a major cause for concern for the doctors and his supporters. His health was the worst on Tuesday night when he had high fever and chest congestion due to his cold, said Dr Devlat Pote,Annas personal physician. His fever has subsided and his blood pressure and pulse are normal. However,he is still very weak. He needs plenty of rest and should have light food. His kidneys need to be closely monitored over the next 15 days, Pote said.

Pote will be accompanying Anna back to Ralegan Siddhi. Apart from the core members of Team Anna,160 people had registered with India Against Corruption (IAC) to fast on Wednesday.

In the morning,a team of doctors addressed the gathering saying that while Annas health was better than the previous day,it continued to be a matter of concern.

We strongly advise discontinuing the fast as it may lead to kidney failure. There is evidence of dehydration, said Ashwin Mehta of the citys Jaslok Hospital,who examined Anna along with P P Lahane,Dean of JJ Hospital.

He said Annas temperature was 100 degrees,but his blood pressure dropped while standing,making it difficult for him to walk. His BP while sitting was 120/90 and 105/70 while standing. His pulse rate was 71, he said.

Earlier,Lahane said: As doctors,we have asked Anna to call off his fast. Now,he has to take a decision.

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The social activist had been stubbornly rejecting requests by his close associates to call off his hunger strike,despite concerns about his health.

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan had also spoken to him on Tuesday night and appealed to him to end his fast.

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Anna takes docs advice,ends fast

A weak Anna Hazare broke his fast by drinking lime juice offered to him by Ralegan Siddhi resident,five-year-old Prateeksha Patangale.

Anna takes docs advice,ends fast