Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's health has taken a perilous turn as his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar entered its 19th consecutive day on Thursday.
His attending physician, Dr. Satish Lamba, has sounded an urgent warning regarding impending multi-organ complications if the fast continues. Addressing the media during a medical briefing on Thursday, Dr Lamba detailed the severe physical toll the prolonged fast has taken on the activist's body. Wangchuk's total weight loss has now breached the 9-kilogram mark, bringing his current body weight down to 56.9 kg. Medical personnel are keeping a round-the-clock vigil on his vital parameters. Dr Lamba provided the exact diagnostic breakdown of Wangchuk's current state. "Today, on the 19th day of 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," Dr Lamba reported. Sonam Wangchuk commenced his protest on June 28, joining an ongoing demonstration organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The demonstration centres on demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following nationwide examination irregularities and the high-profile NEET paper leak controversy.
'Critical window of danger ahead': Doctor
While the medical team noted that Wangchuk's hydration status remains fair and he continues to be mentally alert, his internal biochemistry reveals alarming developments. According to Dr Lamba, the activist has officially transitioned into the second stage of prolonged starvation.
"The second stage involves elevated uric acid levels, indicating muscle breakdown and consumption, which has caused the rise in blood uric acid," he explained.
The most critical window of danger lies immediately ahead. The medical team highlighted that the fast is transitioning from fat and muscle consumption to direct stress on vital internal systems.
"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," Dr Lamba warned.
The escalating medical crisis has prompted immediate legal action. On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court officially sought responses from both the Central Government and the Delhi Government regarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding urgent medical intervention for the striking activist.
During the court proceedings, petitioner Rakesh Kumar Saini pleaded for immediate judicial oversight, submitting that Wangchuk's health had deteriorated considerably owing to the prolonged fast and that immediate judicial intervention was necessary to safeguard his life.
(With agency inputs)
