Sonam Wangchuk’s Health After 21‑Day Hunger Strike: Hospital Says He Is Stable Yet Refuses Treatment

New Delhi – On June 28 Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, demanding reforms in the education system. Twenty‑one days later, police escorted him to Safdarjung Hospital, citing signs of dehydration.

According to the hospital’s statement released on Sunday evening, Wangchuk is fully conscious and his blood pressure, pulse and oxygen saturation are all within normal limits. Doctors do note, however, that his blood work shows a dip in potassium – down to 2.9 mmol/L from 4.3 mmol/L a day earlier – a change that can be life‑threatening if left unattended.

Because of the prolonged fast, the medical team, which now includes an independent specialist from AIIMS, has recommended immediate fluid and electrolyte therapy. They also stress the need for continuous monitoring by a multidisciplinary team.

Wangchuk has, nonetheless, refused any intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution or medication. Both the treating doctors and the AIIMS expert have tried repeatedly to counsel him, but he remains steadfast, echoing his protest’s principle of non‑violence even to his own body.

His wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, told reporters on Saturday that her husband is “absolutely fine,” but she also complained that the hospital has not provided copies of the medical reports despite several requests. She added that no treatment should be given without her consent and that the family is still waiting for full transparency.

Angmo also raised concerns about the police presence outside the hospital, noting that officers were not allowed to keep their phones inside, making the scene feel more like a “prison” than a place of care.

While the activist’s vital signs are stable for now, doctors warn that the lack of electrolytes and fluids could quickly tip the balance. The situation remains fluid, with the hospital urging immediate medical supervision, and the activist’s camp insisting on respecting his choice to continue the fast.

Meanwhile, political leaders and fellow activists have weighed in. Rahul Gandhi called the police’s decision to shift Wangchuk “wrong,” and several Bollywood personalities, including Hrithik Roshan, have expressed support for the protest.

As the standoff continues, the question looming over Delhi is whether the authorities will honour Wangchuk’s demand for dialogue, or whether medical necessity will finally override his steadfast refusal.