Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalized After 21-Day Hunger Strike

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has been admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, reportedly in a weak and dehydrated state following an indefinite 21-day hunger strike. Despite his compromised health, hospital authorities have confirmed his condition remains stable. He was transferred to the government medical facility early Saturday morning, a move necessitated by a significant deterioration in his health and directed by the Delhi High Court.

Medical professionals at Safdarjung Hospital have indicated that while Wangchuk’s vital signs are currently stable, he requires continuous observation, monitoring, and specific treatment. This regimen is critical to normalize his body parameters after the prolonged period without food. The activist’s health had been steadily declining over the three weeks of his protest.

Wangchuk initiated his hunger strike on June 28 at Jantar Mantar. His protest aimed to support a broader movement against alleged irregularities within the NEET examination process and to highlight reported student deaths associated with the controversy. The activist had expressed a strong determination to continue his fast despite his worsening physical condition.

Doctors closely monitoring Wangchuk during his fast noted a substantial weight loss, amounting to nearly 9.5 kg over the period. Wangchuk himself had earlier stated he believed he had lost approximately “20 per cent of my body” during the initial 20 days of his protest. His admission underscores the severe physical toll of such prolonged activism.