Sonam Wangchuk health update: Safdarjung Hospital says activist refused IV fluids, ORS; blood sugar at 78 mg/dl

Sonam Wangchuk health update: Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday stated that the activist refused IV fluids, ORS, while noting that his blood sugar was at 78 mg/dl. It said the Wangchuk was conscious at the time of admission, with stable pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation, although doctors observed signs of dehydration.

The hospital added that blood gas analysis had revealed compensated acidosis along with decreased serum potassium levels.

“Sonam Wangchuk was admitted at VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital at 7:40 am on 18/7/2026 after being brought by Delhi Police. He was admitted with a history of fasting for 20 days for solid food and generalised weakness. There is no history of fainting attacks. At the time of admission, he was conscious with stable pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation. Signs of dehydration were seen,” the hospital said in a statement.

It added, “Blood gas analysis revealed compensated acidosis with decreased serum potassium with blood sugar of 78 mg/dl. Repeat Serum Potassium was similar. Urinary ketones were 1+ at the time of admission which have increased to 3+ by 1:00 pm. Although intravenous fluids were advised but the patient has refused all intravenous fluids, oral rehydration fluid or any other medication. He is being continuously monitored and counselled for treatment in best interest of his health.”

The activist was shifted to the government-run hospital after his health reportedly deteriorated on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, with police citing medical advice and directions from the Delhi High Court.

PTI citing sources familiar with the developments said doctors were also counselling Wangchuk's family to permit treatment to begin without any further delay.

What Sonam Wangchuk's wife said

Soon after he was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, urged the hospital not to administer any treatment without her consent and sought his discharge, alleging a "lack of transparency" in his medical care.

In two letters addressed to the medical superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital, Angmo instructed that no oral or intravenous medicine or fluids be given to Wangchuk without her approval and requested copies of all his medical reports.

In a separate letter, she sought his discharge so that he could be moved to a medical facility of the family's choice, citing a "lack of transparency" and saying the family had lost confidence in the hospital.

Angmo maintained that Wangchuk was "absolutely fine" but alleged that Safdarjung Hospital had refused to provide copies of his medical reports despite repeated requests. She also said the proposed Parliament march on July 20 would proceed as scheduled, with Wangchuk participating.

Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike

Wangchuk launched his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest over alleged irregularities in the NEET and other examinations, as well as the reported deaths of students linked to the issue.

His health has steadily deteriorated over the past three weeks. On Friday, doctors said he had lost nearly 9.5 kg since the fast began, while his blood pressure and blood sugar levels continued to be closely monitored.

On Friday night, Wangchuk said he remained determined to continue the hunger strike despite his worsening health, claiming he had "lost 20 per cent of my body" during the protest.