Siachen soldier’s condition worsens
The condition of braveheart Lance Naik Hanamanthappa, who was trapped for six days at the Siachen Glacier under 35 ft of ice before being rescued Monday night, further deteriorated Wednesday evening while still remaining extremely critical, with brain damage including evidence of oxygen deprivation to the brain, pneumonia in both lungs, and multi- organ failure, including damage to both kidneys, thereby rendering the chances of his survival as extremely bleak. There were also some reports that many people had offered to donate their kidney to the brave soldier to help him survive. Doctors from the All- India Institute of Medical Sciences also visited the Army R& R Hospital for assistance. The Army and IAF chiefs also went to the hospital, apart from the family of the brave soldier.
Interestingly, Lance Naik Hanamanthappa had also been a yoga instructor to fellow soldiers and his physical fitness probably stood him in good stead during the horrific six days when he was trapped at the glacier. Speculation is also rife that one of the 10 soldiers trapped at the glacier in the avalanche on February 3 may have sent a radio signal to the Army after 24 hours, that led the troops to further intensify their Herculean rescue efforts.
Continued from Page 1 Army doctors had already warned Tuesday Lance Naik Hanamanthappa was “expected to have a stormy course in the next 24 to 48 hours due to complications caused by re- warming and establishment of blood flow to the cold parts of the body”.
In a statement on Wednesday evening, the Army said: “Braveheart Lance Naik Hanamanthappa was reviewed by the treating team of Army Hospital ( R& R) comprising critical care specialists, HoD Dept of Medicine, senior nephrologist and senior
Braveheart Lance Naik Hanamanthappa was reviewed by the treating team of the Army Hospital
neurologist and a panel of experts from AIIMS, New Delhi.
The entire team was in agreement with the management that the patient had undergone till now, and concurred with the future plan of management for him. He continues to remain extremely critical with evidence of oxygen deprivation to the brain on CT scan. There is evidence of pneumonia in both lungs. His multi- organ dysfunction state continues unabated. His condition has deteriorated despite aggressive therapy and supportive care.”
Earlier Wednesday, the Army had said: “Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad of 19 Madras continues to battle the odds and his medical condition remains very critical. He remains ventilator dependent since arrival. The medical team treating him at R& R Hospital is monitoring his situation continuously and is treating him with one of the best expertise and resources available in the world.”