Nation prays for another miracle as Siachen soldier's condition worsens

New Delhi: The condition of Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad, who was rescued alive six days after being buried under tonnes of ice in Siachen Glacier, has deteriorated even as experts from AIIMS joined the military doctors in their bid to save the soldier's life.

He continues to remain extremely critical with evidence of oxygen deprivation to the brain on CT scan, a medical bulletin issued in the evening said.

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," it added.

Koppad was examined by a team of Army Hospital doctors comprising critical care specialists, HoD Dept of Medicine, senior nephrologist, senior neurologist and a panel of experts from AIIMS, New Delhi.

"The entire team was in agreement with the management (of medical problems) that the patient had undergone till now, and concurred with the future plan of management for him," the Bulletin said.

TV grab image of Lance Naik Hanumanthappa who is in Army’s Research & Referral Hospital (Photo: PTI)

Also read: After Siachen Glacier miracle, soldier battles for life at Army hospital

The hospital had earlier said that he was expected to have a stormy course in the "next 24 hours" due to the complications caused by re-warming and establishment of blood flow to the cold parts of the body.

Hanamanthappa was flown out by a helicopter on Tuesday from the site of the avalanche that hit his post at Siachen Glacier along with a medical specialist to the base camp at the glacier, from where he was brought to the Thois air base.

He was then transferred to Delhi by a fixed-wing aircraft of IAF along with a critical care specialist of the force and a medical specialist from the base camp.

Hanamanthappa is being treated by a team of intensivists, neurologist, nephrologist, endocrinologist and surgeons. He has been administered fluids, drugs to bring up his blood pressure, besides antibiotics.

Read: Village bursts into late night celebration; soldier's family flies to Delhi

Meanwhile, a retired CISF Head Constable, Prem Swaroop, has come forward to the help of the jawan, offering his kidney if necessary. “Heard in news that Lance Naik Hanamanthappa's kidney failed. So I came here to offer my kidney or any part of my body for him. It is my heart's wish to do this,” he said.

School students, resident’s associations and politicians from across the country also offered prayers for Koppad’s quick recovery, with the dabbawalas of Mumbai holding a prayer meet at Parel. "Lord, grant Hanumanthappa long life" read the placards and banners that they held.

"We have prayed for his health and well being. We are in awe of the grit and determination he showed while under ice," a dabbawala said, adding that is a highly-motivated soldier.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis also wished the soldier a speedy recovery. "Maharashtra salutes the spirit and valour of Lance Naik Hanumanthappa and wishes him a speedy recovery," Fadnavis tweeted.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi was also among the leaders from across the political spectrum who commended the soldier for his grit for life.

Read: Siachen miracle: Jawan was severely dehydrated, in shock

“I join the nation in praying for the speedy recovery of Shri Lance Naik Hanumanthappa. We salute his endurance and will power to serve the nation," the Indian National Congress quoted Sonia in a series of tweets.

Assuring Koppad’s family of all possible help, Karnataka's Resident Commissioner in Delhi, Atul Kumar, said that the Madras Regiment soldier has made the entire state proud.

"Today, we came to personally inquire about the welfare of the family and also to check the status of Lance Naik Hanamathappa. Karnataka is proud of this young jawan. He is still in ICU and coma. His condition still continues to be critical. We hope he comes out strong," he told reporters here.

"We are committed to extend all possible help to the family," he added.