Sonam Wangchuk health update: Activist ‘stable, vital signs within accepted parameters', says Medanta Hospital

Sonam Wangchuk health update: Medanta Hospital on Thursday said Sonam Wangchuk's condition remains stable and unchanged, adding that the activist is alert and his vital signs are within acceptable limits.

It further stated that all medical treatment is being provided with Wangchuk's informed consent.

“Mr Sonam Wangchuk is being treated by a multi-disciplinary team of doctors at Medanta Hospital Gurugram. His condition remains unchanged and he continues to be stable and alert, with vital signs within accepted parameters. All treatment being administered to him is in accordance with his informed consent,” Medanta said in a statement.

Sonam Wangchuk's message: ‘Still alive, appreciate the students’

A day earlier, Wangchuk reiterated that he would end his 25-day hunger strike only after receiving an assurance that no legal action would be taken against the protesters.

In a video shared on X, Wangchuk said he had lost 11 kilograms during the 25 days of fasting. He also praised participants in the Cockroach Janata Party's 'Chalo Sansad' march on 20 July for maintaining peace despite the police action.

He said, "I am still alive, and this is the 25th day of my fasting. Till the 25th day, I have lost 11 kilograms of weight, and there is significant muscle loss. However, I am fine. Yesterday, I was shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to a private hospital in Gurugram. I appreciate the students who, even after being hit by the lathis, protested peacefully."

"Even upon being instigated and some elements being brought in for stone pelting, you remained patient. My heart melted. Because they were attacked brutally, I decided to continue fasting. Several leaders came, appealing to end my fast," the activist added.

Wangchuk sought an assurance that protesters would not face any accusations or FIRs that could be used to intimidate them with the threat of police action or imprisonment. He said that if such an assurance was provided soon, he would consider ending his fast, but in its absence, he would have no option but to continue the hunger strike.

Reiterating his demand, the activist mentioned, "Ministers, opposition leaders with (a letter) signed by 65 MPs appealed to me to end the hunger strike and get back to serving the nation. I also want to do it; my work is important too. But I request the government not to use force against children. I demand an assurance for no accusations or FIRs through which they can be threatened with police or jails. If I get the assurance soon, respecting your sentiments, I can break my fast today. But if I do not receive such assurance, unfortunately I will have to continue my hunger strike."

Wangchuk's shift from Safarjung to Medanta Hospital

Wangchuk was discharged from Safdarjung Hospital on Tuesday evening and moved to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram for further medical care, following a Delhi High Court order, officials said.

He was taken to Medanta in an ambulance at around 7:28 PM amid heavy security arrangements. A hospital official said Wangchuk has been admitted to ICU 8, where treatment has started under the supervision of Dr Sushila Kataria, a specialist in internal medicine.

Earlier, the Delhi High Court directed authorities to immediately shift Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since 28 June over alleged examination irregularities, from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.