Sonam Wangchuk Health Update: Climate Activist Stable but Weak, Requires Continuous Monitoring, Say Delhi Hospital
Sonam Wangchuk remains conscious and in stable condition but is experiencing severe weakness and dehydration after being forcibly relocated to Delhi Hospital on Saturday morning. The medical update from hospital authorities came hours after the Delhi Police removed the 59-year-old educator from his protest site at Jantar Mantar on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike.
Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk is stable but physically weak after being admitted to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital following more than 20 days of an indefinite hunger strike, according to a medical update issued by the hospital on Saturday. Doctors said Wangchuk's condition remains stable, but he requires continuous monitoring due to the effects of prolonged fasting and dehydration.
Hospital Issues Health Update
Safdarjung Hospital said Wangchuk is conscious and his vital signs are stable. However, doctors noted that the prolonged hunger strike has left him physically weakened, making close medical supervision necessary. Medical professionals are monitoring his health round the clock and have initiated supportive treatment to stabilise his condition. Hospital authorities said his recovery will depend on continuous observation and appropriate medical care. Abhijeet Dipke Announces Indefinite Hunger Strike After Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Hospital (Videos).
Shifted From Protest Site After 21-Day Fast
Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital early Saturday after Delhi Police removed him from the Jantar Mantar protest site, where he had been on an indefinite hunger strike for 21 days. Police said the decision was taken following medical advice and in compliance with a Delhi High Court directive that required authorities to conduct daily health assessments and ensure appropriate medical care if his condition deteriorated.
Wife Seeks Family Consent for Treatment
Following his hospitalisation, Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, urged doctors not to administer any oral or intravenous treatment without the consent of the family and the medical team that had been monitoring him throughout the fast. She said the family wanted to be consulted before any medical intervention was undertaken, while also expressing concern over the decision to shift him to the hospital. Sonam Wangchuk Removed From Jantar Mantar Hunger Strike Site, Shifted to Hospital (Videos).
Protest Continues Amid Political Reactions
Wangchuk's hospitalisation has intensified the ongoing protest. Citizens for Justice Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke announced an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity with the activist after his removal from the protest site.
The development also triggered criticism from several opposition leaders, who questioned the manner in which Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital, while authorities maintained that the move was necessary to protect his health.
The 59-year-old activist began his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. The protest has drawn support from students, civil society groups and public figures, while raising concerns over Wangchuk's health as the fast entered its third week.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 18, 2026 11:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
