New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The family of social activist Sonam Wangchuk has requested that no medical procedure be carried out without their consent, a day after he was admitted to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital following a prolonged hunger strike.
His wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, said she was present at the hospital and urged doctors to consult the family and Wangchuk’s personal medical team before administering any oral medication or intravenous treatment.
In a message shared on social media, Angmo stated that Wangchuk had been under the supervision of a dedicated group of doctors throughout his 20-day fast and stressed that any further medical intervention should be undertaken only after discussions with them and the family.
“I am at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi where Sonam Wangchuk has been admitted. Nothing should be administered to him orally or intravenously without taking consent from me, his family and his doctors who have been monitoring his health for the past 20 days,” she wrote.
The appeal comes after Wangchuk was shifted from Jantar Mantar to the hospital when his health reportedly weakened due to continuous fasting. Hospital authorities have said he is currently stable but remains under observation because of dehydration and physical exhaustion caused by the extended fast.
His admission followed police action to remove him from the protest site, a move that sparked criticism from supporters and fellow activists. Several members of the protest have alleged that the transfer was carried out against Wangchuk’s wishes, while the authorities have maintained that it was based on medical advice.
With Wangchuk continuing to receive treatment, the family’s statement has drawn attention to the issue of informed consent in medical care during high-profile protests. So far, Safdarjung Hospital has not issued any fresh statement in response to the family’s request.
Wangchuk remains under continuous medical supervision as doctors monitor his recovery, while the protest movement he joined continues outside the hospital under the leadership of fellow activists.
