As Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike entered its 19th day on Thursday, 16 July, his attending physician, Dr Satish Lamba, warned that the fast could lead to multiple-organ complications if it continues.
Addressing the media during a medical briefing, Dr Lamba said Wangchuk has lost more than 9 kg since beginning the fast.
"Today, on the 19th day of the hunger strike, his total weight loss exceeds 9 kilograms. His blood sugar today is 80 mg/dl, and his pulse is 72 beats per minute. His blood pressure readings are 105/61 mmHg while lying down and 101/65 mmHg while sitting."
The medical team, however, said Wangchuk remains well hydrated and is mentally alert.
Wangchuk enters second stage of prolonged starvation
Dr Lamba said Wangchuk has now entered the second stage of prolonged starvation, during which the body begins breaking down muscle tissue.
“The second stage involves elevated uric acid levels, indicating muscle breakdown and consumption, which has caused the rise in blood uric acid.”
He also warned that Wangchuk could soon enter a more critical phase.
"We now face a potential third stage, which could be alarming, involving organ involvement. For this, we must adopt a wait-and-watch approach. We are maintaining extra vigilance around the clock."
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has sought responses from the Centre and the Delhi government on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking medical intervention for Wangchuk.
The hunger strike began on 28 June, alongside protests by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) 2026 and other exams.
The protest has drawn solidarity from both public figures and opposition leaders, with a march from the protest site at Jantar Mantar to Parliament being scheduled for 20 July to demand greater accountability from the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the education ministry.
