Hunger Strike – Sonam Wangchuk Declines Medical Treatment After Hospital Admission
Hunger Strike – Activist Sonam Wangchuk has continued to refuse medical intervention after being admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, even as doctors report signs of dehydration and metabolic imbalance.
Veteran activist Sonam Wangchuk has declined intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution, and prescribed medicines after being admitted to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital following a prolonged hunger strike. According to hospital authorities, Wangchuk is under constant observation as doctors continue to counsel him to accept treatment due to concerns over his health. Medical officials stated that the refusal comes despite clinical findings indicating dehydration and other metabolic abnormalities.
Health Condition Prompted Hospitalisation
The 59-year-old activist was admitted to the hospital at around 7:40 am after his condition reportedly worsened during the 21st day of his indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police said the transfer was carried out on the advice of medical professionals and in accordance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court. Officials also confirmed that the protest site was cleared after the permission granted for the demonstration expired.
Hospital records noted that Wangchuk had abstained from solid food for 20 consecutive days before admission. Although he arrived conscious with stable pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation levels, doctors observed signs of dehydration and general weakness. There was no reported history of loss of consciousness before he was shifted to the medical facility.
Medical Findings Raise Concerns
Doctors reported that laboratory investigations revealed compensated acidosis along with reduced serum potassium levels. His blood sugar level at admission measured 78 mg/dl. Follow-up testing continued to show low potassium levels, while urinary ketone readings increased significantly during the day, indicating continued stress on the body’s metabolism.
Hospital authorities stated that medical teams advised immediate intravenous fluid therapy, but Wangchuk declined all forms of treatment, including oral rehydration fluids and medication. Officials added that specialists are maintaining continuous monitoring while encouraging him to reconsider the decision in view of his health condition.
Sources familiar with the matter said doctors have also been speaking with Wangchuk’s family in an effort to begin treatment without further delay.
Family Seeks Transparency in Medical Care
Soon after Wangchuk’s admission, his wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, wrote to the Medical Superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital requesting that no oral or intravenous treatment be administered without her prior approval. She also asked the hospital to provide copies of all medical reports related to his condition.
In a separate communication, Angmo requested that Wangchuk be discharged so he could be shifted to another hospital chosen by the family. She said the family had lost confidence in the present medical facility and wanted an independent assessment before consenting to any treatment.
She further questioned the circumstances under which Wangchuk was admitted, arguing that while the Delhi High Court had directed specialist medical supervision, it had not specifically ordered his hospitalisation. Angmo also claimed that family members were not consulted before the transfer.
According to her, doctors informed the family that Wangchuk’s potassium level had fallen sharply from 4.3 to 2.9, describing the condition as potentially life-threatening. However, she alleged that despite repeated requests, copies of the medical reports were not provided. She maintained that Wangchuk appeared stable and said the family intended to seek an independent medical evaluation.
Protest Continues Amid Political Reactions
Following Wangchuk’s removal from the protest venue, Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that Delhi Police had shifted the activist without initially informing supporters about his destination. Dipke later announced that he would begin an indefinite hunger strike and confirmed that the party’s proposed ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20 would proceed as scheduled.
Wangchuk launched his indefinite fast on June 28 in support of the CJP-led protest concerning alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and other competitive tests, along with reported student deaths linked to those issues. Over the course of the protest, his health steadily deteriorated. On Friday, doctors reported that he had lost nearly 9.5 kilograms since beginning the fast, while his blood pressure and blood sugar levels remained under close observation. Before being admitted to the hospital, Wangchuk had stated that he intended to continue the hunger strike despite his declining health, saying he had lost nearly one-fifth of his body weight during the protest.