Safdarjung Hospital says Wangchuk's vital parameters stable
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New Delhi: Safdarjung Hospital reported that Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's vitals were within stable parameters on Tuesday, but that he continued to refuse intravenous fluids and glucose despite repeated medical advice as he prolonged his indefinite hunger strike.
The hospital, in a medical bulletin issued at 9 a.m., said Wangchuk was being treated under the close supervision of a multidisciplinary team of experts from VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS, New Delhi. It added that all necessary medical care was being provided, The New Indian Express reported.
According to the bulletin, Wangchuk's vital signs remained stable, although his blood sugar levels continued to be low. The hospital said his serum potassium level was recorded at 3.2 mEq/L based on a sample collected the previous night and that he continued to suffer from persistent pancytopenia, including anaemia and a low white blood cell count. It noted that these findings required continued monitoring through regular clinical and laboratory assessments.
The hospital further stated that Wangchuk was receiving oral rehydration solution (ORS) and oral potassium supplements but had declined intravenous fluids and glucose despite repeated medical advice. It added that his mild to moderate dehydration, persistent laboratory abnormalities and the physiological stress caused by prolonged fasting made continuous medical supervision essential to detect and manage any possible complications.
The bulletin said Wangchuk's condition was under constant assessment and that further treatment would depend on his clinical progress and the results of serial laboratory investigations.
On Monday, Wangchuk announced that he would continue his indefinite fast, linking his decision to the police action against protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) 'Sansad Chalo' march.
In a handwritten statement issued by the hospital, Wangchuk said he had decided to continue the fast after witnessing what he described as the harsh treatment of peaceful protesters. He said he would end the fast only if the youth leaders were allowed to meet parliamentarians at Parliament House or if he was permitted to meet them at the hospital. He also expressed hope that the government would fix accountability regarding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan before then.
Wangchuk praised the protesters for maintaining peace despite the police action and appealed to the government and the police to resolve the issue by allowing students to present their grievances before Parliament. He expressed confidence that the protesters would continue to remain peaceful.
Thousands of protesters assembled near Parliament on Monday, the opening day of the Monsoon Session, calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET examination irregularities and the reported deaths of students linked to the issue. The protest was later dispersed by police using batons and tear gas.
Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police on Saturday, the 21st day of his hunger strike. He has been observing an indefinite fast since June 28 in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led movement seeking action over the alleged NEET irregularities and the reported student deaths.