New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk's vital parameters remain stable, but he is continuing to refuse intravenous (IV) fluids and glucose despite repeated
advice from doctors, according to a health bulletin issued by Safdarjung Hospital on Tuesday. The bulletin, released at 9 am, said Wangchuk is being treated under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team of experts from VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS, New Delhi. "Sonam Wangchuk continues to receive medical treatment at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital under the close supervision of a multidisciplinary team of experts from VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS, New Delhi." The hospital said his vital signs are stable, but his blood sugar remains low. It added that his serum potassium level is 3.2 mEq/L and he continues to have persistent pancytopenia, a condition marked by anaemia and low white blood cell (leukocyte) counts. According to the hospital, these findings require continuous monitoring through regular medical tests. "He is currently receiving oral rehydration therapy (ORS) and oral potassium supplementation. However, he continues to decline intravenous fluids and glucose administration despite repeated medical advice," the bulletin further said. Doctors also said Wangchuk has mild to moderate dehydration, along with persistent laboratory abnormalities caused by prolonged fasting. The hospital said he requires continuous medical supervision to detect and manage any complications in time. "All necessary medical care is being provided, and his clinical condition remains under close and continuous assessment. Further management will be guided by his clinical progress and serial laboratory investigations," the bulletein added.
Hunger Strike Continues Over NEET Protest
On Monday, Wangchuk announced that he would continue his indefinite hunger strike. In a handwritten statement from the hospital, he said he decided to extend his fast after police action against protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) 'Sansad Chalo' march.
He said he would continue fasting until youth leaders are allowed to meet Members of Parliament or he is permitted to meet them from the hospital.
"Seeing the brutality with which peacefully protesting youth are being dealt with, I have decided to continue my fast until the youth leaders are allowed to meet the parliamentarians at the Sansad Bhawan or I am allowed to meet them here at the hospital," he said.
"Hopefully, the government will fix accountability for the Education Minister before that," he added.
Wangchuk also thanked the protesters for remaining peaceful despite what he described as provocation.
"I appeal to the government and the police force to resolve the issue by simply allowing the students to present their grievances before Parliament today or tomorrow. I am sure the young protesters will maintain peace tomorrow as they did today."
Thousands of protesters gathered near Parliament on the first day of the Monsoon Session on Monday, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Police dispersed the crowd using lathis and tear gas.
Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police on Saturday, the 21st day of his hunger strike. He has been on an indefinite fast since June 28 in support of the CJP-led protest over alleged NEET irregularities and the reported deaths of students linked to the controversy.
