Activist Sonam Wangchuk remains in stable condition after being admitted to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday morning following a prolonged hunger strike, according to an official medical statement. Doctors, however, said he is physically weak due to dehydration and extended fasting and will require continuous monitoring until his vital health parameters improve.
Hospital authorities said Wangchuk was brought to the facility around 7:40 am, where a dedicated medical team has been assigned to supervise his treatment. Two doctors and two paramedics have been deployed to ensure round-the-clock care.
Doctors Recommended Immediate Hospitalisation
According to sources, a medical team from Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital examined Wangchuk earlier in the day at the protest site. Following the assessment, doctors advised that he be admitted immediately as his condition had deteriorated after remaining on an indefinite fast for over three weeks.
Officials said Wangchuk initially declined hospitalisation despite medical advice. However, after doctors reiterated the seriousness of his condition, Delhi Police shifted him to Safdarjung Hospital in an ambulance to ensure he received necessary medical treatment.
The hospital later confirmed that although Wangchuk’s condition is currently stable, he remains weak because of prolonged fasting and dehydration and requires continuous observation and medical care.
Family Seeks Consent Before Any Treatment
Soon after his admission, Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, issued a public appeal requesting that no medicine, food, or intravenous treatment be administered without prior consent from his family and the doctors who have been monitoring his health throughout the hunger strike.
Her statement came amid growing public attention over Wangchuk’s hospitalisation and ongoing protests.
Supporters Vow To Continue Protest
The hospitalisation has not slowed the protest movement led by supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Party founder Abhijeet Dipke said the agitation would continue despite Wangchuk being moved from the protest site.
Dipke declared that demonstrators would proceed with their planned march to Parliament on July 20. He also escalated the protest’s political demands, saying the movement would now seek the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in addition to its earlier demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the alleged NEET examination controversy.
Political Leaders React
The development triggered reactions across the political spectrum.
AAP leader Manish Sisodia criticised the government’s handling of the protests, alleging that voices demanding accountability over examination irregularities were being suppressed.
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar also criticised the Centre, describing its response to Wangchuk’s agitation as irresponsible. He said the government should have addressed the concerns raised by protesting students instead of allowing the situation to escalate to the point where medical intervention became necessary.
Wangchuk has been observing an indefinite hunger strike since late June over demands linked to alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process. His admission to hospital has intensified political debate while supporters maintain that the protest will continue.
Q1. Why was Sonam Wangchuk admitted to Safdarjung Hospital?
He was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital after doctors found his health had deteriorated following more than 20 days of continuous fasting and recommended immediate hospitalisation.
Q2. What is Sonam Wangchuk’s current health condition?
According to Safdarjung Hospital, he is stable but weak due to prolonged fasting and dehydration and remains under continuous medical observation.
Q3. Why was Sonam Wangchuk on a hunger strike?
He has been protesting over issues related to the alleged NEET examination controversy and has been demanding accountability from the government.
Q4. Did Sonam Wangchuk agree to be hospitalised?
According to police sources, he initially declined admission despite medical advice. He was later shifted to the hospital after doctors warned that his condition had worsened.
Q5. What has Sonam Wangchuk’s family requested?
His wife has asked that no oral medication or intravenous treatment be administered without the consent of the family and his treating doctors.
Q6. Will the protest continue after his hospitalisation?
Yes. Supporters have stated that the agitation will continue and have announced plans to march to Parliament.
