Sonam Wangchuk Refuses Medical Treatment After 20-Day Hunger Strike

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was brought to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital by police on Saturday after a 20-day hunger strike, is refusing medical treatment, the hospital said in a bulletin.

The hospital stated that Wangchuk has declined intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution, and any other medication advised by doctors. He is being continuously monitored and counselled to accept treatment for his own health, the statement added.

Wangchuk, 59, was admitted at 7:40 am with a history of fasting for 20 days and generalised weakness. At the time of admission, he was conscious with stable vital signs, but signs of dehydration were noted.

Shortly after his hospitalisation, his wife Gitanjali J Angmo asked the hospital not to administer any treatment without her consent and sought his discharge, citing lack of transparency in his medical care.

Wangchuk was removed from the protest site at Jantar Mantar by Delhi Police in a pre-dawn operation on Saturday. He had been on a hunger strike demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak.

The police action came two days after the Delhi High Court directed the Centre and the Delhi government to take all necessary steps to save Wangchuk's life. The court had also ordered continuous monitoring of his health.

Doctors attending to Wangchuk during his strike had said earlier that he had lost 9 kg and faced risk to vital organs. Police said they moved him in accordance with the High Court directive and medical advice.