Newsalert24x7 I New Delhi, July 18: Social activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk, who has been observing an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, remains under medical supervision at Safdarjung Hospital after doctors reported signs of dehydration and metabolic imbalance. His family, meanwhile, has expressed concern over the treatment process and requested that he be shifted to a hospital of their choice.
According to the latest medical update issued by Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday afternoon, Wangchuk was conscious when admitted and his vital signs, including pulse rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation, were within the normal range. However, doctors observed dehydration along with compensated metabolic acidosis, low serum potassium levels and a blood glucose reading of 78 mg/dl.
The hospital also stated that Wangchuk's urinary ketone levels, an indicator of prolonged fasting, had increased significantly from 1+ at the time of admission to 3+ by early afternoon, suggesting continued nutritional stress.
Doctors recommended intravenous fluids and medical treatment, but Wangchuk has reportedly declined intravenous therapy, oral rehydration solutions and all medications. Hospital authorities said he is being closely monitored and regularly counselled to accept treatment in the interest of his health.
Meanwhile, members of the medical team that had been monitoring Wangchuk during his protest alleged that they were not informed about the reasons behind his transfer to Safdarjung Hospital.
Dr. Nitin Dighe, who has been overseeing Wangchuk's health at the protest site over the past several weeks, claimed that neither he nor other doctors associated with the protest had been allowed to examine the activist after his admission. He alleged that officials present at the hospital prevented their team from meeting the patient.
Dr. Dighe also questioned the necessity of hospitalisation, stating that medical tests conducted before Wangchuk's transfer had shown normal potassium levels. He said the potassium supplements prescribed by the hospital could have been administered at the protest site itself and maintained that Wangchuk's overall health remained stable enough for him to continue his planned activities.
Adding to the controversy, Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, has reportedly written to the hospital administration requesting that discharge formalities be completed at the earliest. In her letter, she cited a lack of transparency regarding his medical care and sought permission to transfer him to a healthcare facility chosen by the family.
Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday morning after spending 21 days on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. The transfer followed medical advice and directions issued by the Delhi High Court.
Police personnel escorted him from the protest site amid slogans and demonstrations by supporters and activists present at the venue.
The ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar, organised by the Congress Jan Adhikar Platform (CJP) since June 6, is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Wangchuk formally joined the agitation on June 28 and subsequently began his indefinite fast in support of the movement.
