AN UPDATE ON OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF MR. PRAHLAD JANI AT STERLING HOSPITAL AHMEDABAD BEING DONE BY DEFENCE INSTITUTE OF PHYSIOLOGY AND ALLIED SCIENCES (DIPAS), DRDO, DELHI IN COLLOBORATION WITH STERLING HOSPITAL , SRISTI AND GOVT. OF GUJARAT
- An observational study on Mr Prahlad Jani was carried out for 15 days wef 22 Apr 2010 to 06 May 2010, who claims to survive without food and water and not passing urine and stool.
- Observational study to understand the mechanism by which he is able to survive without food and water. Such a scientific understanding of the mechanism of survival may help in working out survival strategies under stressful and extreme conditions. This may have application during natural calamities and disasters.
- The study was carried out under the continuous observation by a team consisting of scientists from DIPAS and doctors from Sterling Hospital Ahmedabad along with other coordinating agencies like SRISTI/ Govt of Gujarat and other consulting doctors.
- The study Protocol duly cleared by the Ethical Committees of DIPAS and Sterling Hospital was strictly followed and all efforts were made to see that privacy, safety, security and dignity of Shri Prahlad Jani was not compromised at any stage during the study.
- The present study is limited only to the period under observation i.e. 22Apr 2010 to 06 May 2010.
- During the study a protocol of round the clock strict surveillance was followed with the help of CCTV camera and personal observations. He was taken out for MRI, USG and X-Ray and exposure to sun under continuous video recordings.
- Periodic clinical, biochemical, radiological and other relevant examinations were done on Shri Prahlad Jani. All reports were found within the safe range throughout the study.
- During the above observation period Shri Prahlad Jani has not consumed anything and has not passed stool. The only contact with any form of fluid was during gargling and bathing periodically during the study beginning from 5th day of study.
- Mr Jani has also not passed urine from his body during the observation period; however the claim will be scientifically substantiated after analysis of investigations carried out.
- All the reports and results will be scientifically analyzed, subsequently and will take some time. The entire study team will meet periodically to discuss the findings and draw valid conclusions.
- The study could not have been possible without the utmost voluntary cooperation for each part of the protocol by Shri Prahlad Jani, his brother who was a genetic control in the study and his followers who ensured smooth conduct of the study.
- DIPAS places on record the appreciation for Prof.Anil Gupta, SRISTI, Dr.Sudhir Shah Neurologist, Dr Urman Dhruv,Sr Physician and other members of the team for their extraordinary initiative, relentless enthusiasm, tireless efforts and selfless dedication for completion of this study. In particular ,DIPAS acknowledges the contributions of following doctors & staff; DIPAS places on record the appreciation for Prof.Anil Gupta, SRISTI, Dr.Sudhir Shah, Neurologist, Dr Urman Dhruv Sr.Physian and other members of the team for their extraordinary initiative, relentless enthusiasm, tireless efforts and selfless dedication for completion of this study. In particular, DIPAS acknowledges the contributions of Dr. Sudhir Shah (Neurologist), Dr. Urman Dhruv (Physician & Endocrinologist), Dr. Himanshu Patel (Nephrologist), Dr. Navneet Shah (Physician & Endocrinologist), Dr. Sudhanshu Patwari Gastroenterologist, Dr. Nilay Mehta Gastroenterologist, Dr. Kandarp Parikh (Urologist), Dr. Hemant Patel (Radiologist), Dr. Mrugesh (Radiologist), Dr.Dinesh Patel (Radiologist), Dr. Sanjeev Patel (Radiologist), Dr. Shrenk Shah (Cardiologist), Dr. Mukesh Patel (Pulmonologist), Dr. Bansi Saboo (Physician, Endocrinologist), Dr. V.N. Shah (Physician), Dr. Amit Bhatt (Physcian, Neurologist), Dr. Raisa A. Vhora (Physician), Dr. Sanjeev Haribhakti ( Gastrosurgeon), Dr. Hitesh Chawra (Gastrosurgeon), Dr. Sanjeev Shah (Pathologist), Dr. Bipin Patel (Pathologist), Dr. Atul Patel (Infectious Disease Specialist), Dr. Sapan Pandia (Rheumatologist), Dr. Jayesh Sheth (Genetician), Dr. Ruchir Shah (ENT), Dr. Urmit Shah (Ophthalmologist), Dr. Heli Shah (Intern), Dr. Shalin Shah (Neurologist) Dr. Parag Rindani (Corporate -Medical Director), Ms. Namisha Gandhi (Revenue Assurance Head and EA of Chairperson), Mr. Dhirendra Chudasma (Corporate Head of Clinical Research), Mr. Jignesh Lakhtaria (Study Co-ordinator), Ms. Monika Rajput (Study Co-ordinator), Ms. Shreya Singh (Study Co-ordinator), Mr. Hirak Nandi (Study Nurse), Mr. Avinash (Study Nurse).
- We thank Sh. Rajiv Sharma, CEO and all the staff of Sterling Hospital Ahmedabad, for providing all the necessary technical and logistic support for this study. We also thank the Government of Gujarat for their support and proving financial guarantee.
DIRECTOR, DIPAS
Good afternoon! to all of you…
As you are aware; DIPAS is the primary investigator who looked after implementation of the protocol which me & our team of various specialist doctors at Sterling Hospitals, looked after clinical – medical aspects and safety of the subject. We will be unable to share all detailed medical reports, but at least would like to share some of them.
As per Shri. Prahalad Jani wish, it was decided that we will not do any invasive tests like endoscopy of internal organs or give any injections or dyes etc, hence, we avoided all these.
We practically studied all his systems. Different tests at different times were done as per the protocol and few of them were repeated. We did his blood tests for haematology, biochemistry, hormone profile and various other parameters too. The reports were in the pre-determined safety range throughout the observation period as per the protocol.
We did his MRI study of various organs; the MRI of brain is normal and even. Even his, MR Angiography of extra cranial and intracranial arteries are also quite normal and not showing signs of atherosclerosis. The MRI of chest, abdomen and spine are also normal, as per the Radiologists; Dr. Hemant Patel, Dr. Mrugesh Doctor and Dr. Dinesh Patel.
His nerve conduction studies reveal normal nerve function of motor and sensory nerves, which is usually not the case at his age. His EEG is also normal and we are analyzing data, during meditation if, there are any changes.
Mr. Jani’s lung functions are quite normal with normal Spirometry & Ventilatory effort, as per Dr. Mukesh Patel and his team.
The Cardiac evaluation was performed by Dr. Shernik Shah, Cardiologist and his team and he found his pulse regular and remaining in between 40 – 46 with high vagal tone. His 2-D ECHO showed fairly normal ejection fraction of 65%.
The Vascular Doppler studies of carotid vessels, renal, abdominal & lower limbs were undertaken by Dr. Sanjay Patel and he reports them normal for his age. He also performed his sonography of abdomen & urinary bladder twice a day. The volume of urine was found to fluctuate even though he did not pass urine externally.
No features, suggestive of any psychiatric disorder were observed throughout the study period as per Psychiatrist Dr. Hemang Desai. His behavioural pattern matched to his social and cultural background. No significant cognitive defects were noted.
Mr. Jani’s physical examination was done daily by Dr. Sudhir Shah and his team of Sr. Physicians- Dr. Urman Dhruv Dr. Navneet Shah and Dr. Himanshu Patel, the Nephrologist. While, other eminent specialists from different disciplines also, had critically evaluated other systems and they are Dr. Patwari and Dr. Niley Mehta as Gastroenterologists. Gastro- surgeons are Dr. Sanjiv Haribhakti & Dr. Hitesh Chavda and supported by Dr. Bansi Saboo and Dr. VN Shah. Dr. Uday Deotare & Dr. Urmish Chudgar as Haematologists. Dr. Kandarp Parikh for urological functions)
At this juncture, I sincerely want to thank the entire team of doctors, DIPAS Director and his team, Mr. Rajiv Sharma, CEO- Sterling Addlife India Ltd and Prof. Anil Gupta for putting all the efforts.
At the end I’m happy to tell you that ultimately DIPAS team, one of the most credible Govt. Lab. My team of Specialist doctors have gone far beyond, our previous observation study which was done during 2003. This, extended study have done many more studies and tests related to Basic Sciences which was not possible then.
I must once again clarify that we have done the study for 15 days and cannot really comment for or against Shri. Prahalad Jani’s claim of remaining without food or water for several years.
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medical report Dr Sudhir Shah
Good afternoon! to all of you…
As you are aware; DIPAS is the principal investigator who looked after implementation of the protocol which me & our team of various specialist doctors at Sterling Hospitals, looked after clinical – medical aspects and safety of the subject. We will be unable to share all detailed medical reports, but at least would like to share some of them.
As per Shri. Prahalad Jani wish, it was decided that we will not do any invasive tests like endoscopy of internal organs or give any injections or dyes etc, hence, we avoided all these.
We practically studied all his systems. Different tests at different times were done as per the protocol and few of them were repeated. We did his blood tests for haematology, biochemistry, hormone profile and various other parameters too. The reports were in the pre-determined safety range throughout the observation period as per the protocol.
We did his MRI study of various organs; the MRI of brain is normal and even. Even his, MR Angiography of extra cranial and intracranial arteries are also quite normal and not showing signs of atherosclerosis. The MRI of chest, abdomen and spine are also normal, as per the Radiologists; Dr. Hemant Patel, Dr. Mrugesh Doctor and Dr. Dinesh Patel.
His nerve conduction studies reveal normal nerve function of motor and sensory nerves, which is usually not the case at his age. His EEG is also normal and we are analyzing data, during meditation if, there are any changes.
Mr. Jani’s lung functions are quite normal with normal Spirometry & Ventilatory effort, as per Dr. Mukesh Patel and his team.
The Cardiac evaluation was performed by Dr. Shernik Shah, Cardiologist and his team and he found his pulse regular and remaining in between 40 – 46 with high vagal tone. His 2-D ECHO showed fairly normal ejection fraction of 65%.
The Vascular Doppler studies of carotid vessels, renal, abdominal & lower limbs were undertaken by Dr. Sanjay Patel and he reports them normal for his age. He also performed his sonography of abdomen & urinary bladder twice a day. The volume of urine was found to fluctuate even though he did not pass urine externally.
No features, suggestive of any psychiatric disorder were observed throughout the study period as per Psychiatrist Dr. Hemang Desai. His behavioural pattern matched to his social and cultural background. No significant cognitive defects were noted.
Mr. Jani’s physical examination was done daily by Dr. Sudhir Shah and his team of Sr. Physicians- Dr. Urman Dhruv Dr. Navneet Shah and Dr. Himanshu Patel, the Nephrologist. While, other eminent specialists from different disciplines also, had critically evaluated other systems and they are Dr. Patwari and Dr. Niley Mehta as Gastroenterologists. Gastro- surgeons are Dr. Sanjiv Haribhakti & Dr. Hitesh Chavda and supported by Dr. Bansi Saboo and Dr. VN Shah. Dr. Uday Deotare & Dr. Urmish Chudgar as Haematologists. Dr. Kandarp Parikh for urological functions)
At this juncture, I sincerely want to thank the entire team of doctors, DIPAS Director and his team, Mr. Rajiv Sharma, CEO- Sterling Addlife India Ltd and Prof. Anil Gupta for putting all the efforts.
At the end I’m happy to tell you that ultimately DIPAS team, one of the most credible Govt. Lab. My team of Specialist doctors have gone far beyond, our previous observation study which was done during 2003. This, extended study have done many more studies and tests related to Basic Sciences which was not possible then.
I must once again clarify that we have done the study for 15 days and cannot really comment for or against Shri. Prahalad Jani’s claim of remaining without food or water for several years.
Anil K Gupta
