Doctors tracking Anna Hazare's health said the 73-year-old anti-graft crusader might need hospitalisation over the next 24 to 48 hours, but the spunky old Gandhian - on his 16th long fast - refused to even consider the idea. On the eighth day of his fast against corruption at Ramlila Ground, Hazare's health showed signs of deterioration. "We told him, if need be we could put him on drip right there, but he said no to that also. He says he feels fine," Dr Naresh Trehan, chairperson and managing director Medanta-the Medicity, told HT.

A team of five doctors, two nurses and two paramedics from Medanta are present in two shifts at the fasting venue to keep a close watch on Hazare's condition.

"He has lost more than 5 kgs. His blood sugar levels are marginally low as well, so we need to monitor him closely," he added. Currently, Hazare's blood and urine samples are taken twice a day and his blood pressure and pulse rate is checked after every three hours.

"He's a frugal eater and his body is used to fasting for long durations, which helps. His body functions will get affected after some time, but there is nothing to worry about just yet," said one of the doctors monitoring Hazare.

"Except for slight pain in the knees due to old age, he has no major illnesses," said Guddu Bhaiya, a close aide of Hazare.