Tibetan teenager who burnt himself critical

He (Dorje Tsering) has 95% burns and is under intensive care. We are keeping our fingers crossed but such cases are at a high risk of contracting infection, which is our biggest challenge

DOCTOR, Safdarjung Hospital

NEW DELHI: The Tibetan teenager who set himself on fire to protest against the Chinese rule in Tibet is extremely critical, say doctors at New Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital.

Dorje Tsering, 16, who selfimmolated in Dehradun on Monday, was brought to Delhi and is admitted in the burns intensive care unit at the hospital.

“He has 95% burns and is under intensive care. We are keeping our fingers crossed but such cases are at a high risk of contracting infection, which is our biggest challenge,” said a doctor in the department, requesting not to be named as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

Tsering’s face was comparatively saved, he, however, has received severe burns on his body.

In a video shot at his hospi- tal bed, Tsering is seen saying: “I did discuss my intentions with my parents, who told me they would kill themselves if I did this.”

Doctors are doing their best to ensure he does not catch infection and have put him on strong anti-biotics. “He is also being given oxygen therapy to reduce the burden on his airway. He does not require ventilatory support.