Sonam Wangchuk's Wife Moves Delhi High Court Seeking Transfer to Private Hospital
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Gitanjali J. Angmo, wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, has approached the Delhi High Court seeking permission to shift her husband from Safdarjung Hospital to a private medical facility, questioning the hospital's medical assessment of his condition.
According to reports, the petition seeks an urgent hearing, with Angmo expressing concern that Wangchuk's health could deteriorate further if he remains at the government hospital.
Wangchuk Shifted to Safdarjung Hospital
Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18 following directions from the High Court to ensure he received appropriate medical care.
The activist's indefinite hunger strike entered its 21st day on Saturday. He is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy.
Family Questions Hospital's Findings
In a post on X, Angmo said she had lost confidence in Safdarjung Hospital after it allegedly informed the family that Wangchuk's potassium level had fallen to 2.9, describing it as life-threatening.
She claimed an independent laboratory test later recorded a potassium level of 3.5, which she described as being within the normal range.
Angmo further alleged that the hospital's public health bulletin referred only to "decreasing potassium levels" without disclosing the actual figure.
Alleges Restrictions on Family Movement
Angmo also alleged that repeated requests to discharge Wangchuk or allow his transfer to a private hospital had been declined.
She further claimed that the deployment of police personnel at the hospital had severely restricted the family's movement, describing the situation as "illegal detention" in her social media post.
The petition urges the High Court to permit Wangchuk's transfer to a private hospital before his health deteriorates further.
Hospital Says Activist Refusing Treatment
Safdarjung Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Charu Bamba said Wangchuk was showing signs of dehydration but remained conscious and clinically stable.
According to Dr Bamba, doctors had repeatedly advised medical intervention, including oral rehydration solutions, electrolyte supplements and intravenous therapy, but Wangchuk had declined treatment.
The hospital's medical bulletin stated that while his vital signs remained stable, blood parameters were "marginally altered" and prolonged fasting required continuous monitoring by a multidisciplinary medical team.
Doctors from Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS, New Delhi, jointly assessed that sustained medical supervision remained necessary despite his stable condition.
Health Ministry Urges Family to Accept Treatment
In a statement issued later, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said Wangchuk's family had not yet consented to the recommended medical treatment despite repeated counselling by doctors and an independent AIIMS specialist.
The ministry said Wangchuk remained under close medical observation while efforts continued to persuade him and his family to accept the recommended treatment.
Meanwhile, leaders from several Opposition parties visited Wangchuk at the protest site and appealed to him to end his hunger strike while expressing support for his demands.
