Hundreds step forward to pay Anna's medical bills

Hundreds of Anna Hazare supporters have stepped forward to pay the activist's hospital bill if the 74-year-old is charged. The help poured in a day after IANS reported Tuesday on the ambiguity over the veteran activist's medical bills for treatment at a Gurgaon-based hospital.

The virtual world was abuzz with messages such as "I want to pay for Annaji" on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and news sites.

"The people of India are with you, Annaji. We will pay for whatever expenses borne by you. Please give us the account number of India Against Corruption (IAC),” posted Keerat Prakash on news website Yahoo.

While help poured in from all corners, it was not clear if Hazare would be charged for his stay at Medanta Medicity in Gurgaon. Hazare was admitted to the hospital soon after he ended his 12-day fast for a stronger Lokpal Bill on Sunday morning.

"He is a decent man. I have immense respect for what he is doing. Let us first see the bills, only then something can be said," heart specialist Naresh Trehan said.

Hazare has been under the medical supervision of Trehan and has not been charged till now.

India Against Corruption (IAC) member Aswathi Muralidharan told IANS: "Till now, he (Hazare) has not been charged. We can only say who will pay the bill if we get the bill."

"Even when Trehan had seen him earlier, he was not charged," she added.

But there is no shortage of volunteers in case of any eventuality.

"I am an engineering student at IIT. I request hospital authorities and Team Anna to share the details of amount that is needed. Pocket money or part-time job, our classmates will give in all help,” said S Guru Prakash from Bangalore.

Krishan Patel, from Ahmedabad, posted on micro-blogging site Twitter: “ Anna is our nation (sic) hero. I am ready to contribute my one month full salary to meet his medical expenditure.”
 
Many supporters posted their phone numbers for further assistance on any financial help.

It was not just people from India who were hailing the activist for his 288-hour fast for anti-corruption dubbed as "people's power" - people from across the globe also chipped in with words of praise for the activist.

"I am from Zambia. I love his courage and have been following his cause. If the people of India can't contribute to his cause, I will be more than happy to do it,” posted Mwenda on Twitter.

Trisha Jatania wrote on Facebook: “If a taxpayer's money can go to Prime Minister's relief fund, it should be utilised for the national hero's cause also. Your struggle for India to free it from corruption is immense”.