Sonam Wangchuk's vital parameters remain stable, but doctors at Safdarjung Hospital are still monitoring him closely and the activist is being kept well with the medical team at Safdarjung Hospital and his condition has not improved and he refuses intravenous fluids and glucose for the same reasons, despite repeated medical advice. The activist is in the care of a multidisciplinary team of VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital experts, together with AIIMS, New Delhi.
The health bulletin issued by Safdarjung Hospital on Tuesday said Wangchuk is still being treated and under observation. His vital signs are stable but his blood sugar levels are low.
The hospital also reported that Wangchuk’s serum potassium level is 3.2 mEq/L and that he is still suffering from persistent pancytopenia that means changes in blood cell counts including anaemia and loss of white blood cells. Doctors said these conditions require regular laboratory investigations and continuous monitoring.
Wangchuk is now receiving oral rehydration solution and oral potassium supplements. However, the hospital said he continues to decline intravenous fluids and glucose administration despite repeated advice from the medical team.
Doctors have also been able to identify mild to moderate dehydration and persistent laboratory abnormalities associated with prolonged fasting. The activist requires continued medical supervision to identify and manage any potential complications at the earliest, the hospital said.
All necessary medical care is being provided,” the hospital said, and Wangchuk’s condition is under close and continued assessment. His treatment will be determined on his clinical progress, as well as on the results of repeated laboratory tests.
Despite his ongoing health problem, Wangchuk said Monday that he would continue his indefinite hunger strike. In a handwritten statement from the hospital, he said he had decided to extend his fast following police actions against protesters during the Cockroach Janata Party’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march.
Wangchuk said he would continue fasting until youth leaders were allowed to meet Members of Parliament at Parliament or until he was permitted to meet them from the hospital.
He also condemned the treatment of young protesters and appealed to the government and police to allow students to bring their grievances before Parliament peacefully. Wangchuk said the protesters were peaceful, not provocation.
The protest has also been directed at the NEET examination in the name of accountability with demands for action against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Thousands of protesters reportedly gathered near Parliament on the first day of the Monsoon Session.
Police dispersed the crowd with lathis and tear gas, according to the reports. The developments have intensified the debate on the NEET allegations and student and youth groups’ concerns.
Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police on Saturday after completing the 21st day of his hunger strike. He began his indefinite fast on June 28 in support of the CJP-led protest over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and reports of student deaths linked to the controversy.
But doctors are keeping close watch on Wangchuk because of medical concerns as pressure on the government to act on the protesters’ demands is growing.
