Activist Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalized at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi on Saturday following a 20-day fast. Medical staff are closely monitoring his condition and urgently requesting the family to allow treatment to begin without further delay, according to sources.
Conflict over treatment
Subsequently, his wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, approached the hospital requesting that no procedures be performed without her consent and demanded discharge, citing insufficient transparency in medical care.
The hospital reported in a medical update that Wangchuk was brought to VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi police at 7:40 AM after completing a 20-day fast during which he consumed no solid food. Upon arrival, he exhibited general weakness but was conscious, with stable pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. However, doctors noted signs of dehydration.
Results of medical examinations
Blood tests showed a compensated acidotic reaction and low serum potassium levels. Blood sugar was 78 mg/dL, and a repeat test confirmed a persistent decrease in serum potassium. Urine ketones, which were 1+ upon admission, increased to 3+ by noon. A source stated that Wangchuk remains under close observation at Safdarjung Hospital due to dehydration, low potassium, and elevated ketones, which, if significantly increased along with dehydration, can threaten kidney function and other metabolic complications.
Despite the hospital's recommendation for intravenous fluids, Wangchuk refused IV treatment, oral rehydration solutions, and all other medications. He continues to be monitored, and he is being advised regarding accepting treatment in the interest of his health.
Doctor's suspicions
Meanwhile, Wangchuk's personal physician, Dr. Nitin Dighe, questioned the hospital's assessment of the activist's condition and accused it of lack of transparency in medical services. He stated that his team had conducted examinations over the past 20 days, but he and his lawyers were not allowed to meet the patient while his wife was present. When he asked about the reason for hospitalization, he was told he had potassium deficiency. However, as Dighe noted, when a blood sample was taken yesterday at 3 PM, the potassium level was normal—4.8, which is above the normal range of 3.5. Now, he is being informed of this drop in the indicator. Furthermore, the hospital refuses to provide reports to Wangchuk's wife, which he finds suspicious, so he is taking blood for his own analysis because he does not trust the government laboratory.
Dighe added that Wangchuk's wife officially requested the hospital to discharge him as soon as possible and allow him to transfer to another medical facility. She also mentioned that the march to Parliament scheduled for July 20 will take place, and he plans to participate, but if he cannot attend, his wife will join. Previously, on Friday evening, Wangchuk expressed his determination to continue the fast despite his deteriorating health, stating that he had lost '20% of his body' during the hunger strike. Wangchuk's fast has been ongoing since June 28 in support of a protest led by CJP against alleged irregularities in the NEET exam and reports of student deaths related to the scandal. The Delhi High Court is monitoring his health condition and has directed authorities to conduct regular medical assessments and provide necessary assistance.
