Sonam Wangchuk health update: Blood sugar low on day 23 of fast
Synopsis
On day 23 of his hunger strike, Sonam Wangchuk remains hospitalised at Safdarjung Hospital with low blood sugar, pancytopenia, and mild to moderate dehydration — yet continues to refuse intravenous fluids. His handwritten vow to fast until student leaders meet Parliamentarians puts both his health and the government's response under acute scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
Sonam Wangchuk is hospitalised at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi , on day 23 of his hunger strike as of 21 July .
His blood sugar levels remain low and serum potassium was recorded at 3.2 mEq/L ; he has persistent pancytopenia .
He is receiving oral rehydration therapy (ORS) and oral potassium, but continues to refuse IV fluids and glucose despite medical advice.
A multidisciplinary team from VMMC, Safdarjung Hospital , and AIIMS, New Delhi is monitoring him jointly.
Wangchuk declared in a handwritten note that he will fast until protesting student leaders are allowed to meet Parliamentarians or he is permitted to meet them in hospital.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk remains hospitalised at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, on 21 July, with his vital parameters stable but doctors flagging persistent concerns over his blood sugar levels, electrolyte balance, and blood counts, according to the hospital's morning health bulletin.
What the Health Bulletin Says
The bulletin, released at 9:00 am on Tuesday, confirmed that Wangchuk is under the joint supervision of a multidisciplinary team from VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS, New Delhi. Doctors noted that his blood sugar levels 'continue to remain on the lower side,' while his serum potassium level was recorded at 3.2 mEq/L from a sample collected the previous night.
The bulletin also confirmed that Wangchuk continues to have persistent pancytopenia — a condition characterised by anaemia and reduced leukocyte (white blood cell) counts. 'These clinical and laboratory parameters warrant continued close monitoring through serial investigations,' the hospital stated.
Treatment and Wangchuk's Refusal
Wangchuk is currently receiving oral rehydration therapy (ORS) and oral potassium supplementation. However, despite repeated medical advice, he continues to decline intravenous fluids and glucose administration. The hospital described his condition as 'mild to moderate dehydration' compounded by 'persistent laboratory abnormalities' and 'physiological stress associated with prolonged fasting.'
'All necessary medical care is being provided, and his clinical condition remains under close and continuous assessment,' the bulletin added. Further treatment decisions, doctors said, will depend on his clinical progress and ongoing laboratory results.
Background: Fast and Removal from Jantar Mantar
Wangchuk was removed from Jantar Mantar by Delhi Police on Saturday and admitted for medical care. His fast is now in its 23rd day. On Monday, he issued a handwritten note declaring he would continue fasting until protesting student leaders were permitted to meet Parliamentarians, or until he himself was allowed to meet them in hospital.
Notably, this is not the first time Wangchuk has undertaken a prolonged hunger strike to press demands related to Ladakh's political status and the rights of its residents. His earlier fasts drew national attention and briefly prompted government engagement, but his current protest marks a significant escalation in both duration and medical risk.
What Doctors Are Watching
The medical team has underscored that sustained supervision is essential to track recovery and identify any complications arising from the prolonged fast. 'In view of his ongoing mild to moderate dehydration, persistent laboratory abnormalities, and the physiological stress associated with prolonged fasting, sustained medical supervision and continuous clinical monitoring remain essential,' the hospital said.
With Wangchuk's condition still fragile and his resolve to fast unbroken, the coming days will be critical in determining both his medical trajectory and the political response to his demands.
Point of View
Combined with pancytopenia and persistent hypoglycaemia, is no longer a symbolic gesture; it is a clinical emergency in slow motion. The government's silence on whether student leaders will be allowed to meet Parliamentarians is itself a decision, and the longer that silence holds, the higher the medical and reputational stakes. Past engagements with Wangchuk's demands over Ladakh's statehood have produced dialogue but little structural change — a pattern that may explain why he has escalated to this point.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sonam Wangchuk's current health condition?
As of 21 July, Wangchuk's vital parameters are stable but his blood sugar levels remain low, his serum potassium is at 3.2 mEq/L, and he has persistent pancytopenia. Doctors describe his state as mild to moderate dehydration with ongoing laboratory abnormalities.
Why is Sonam Wangchuk on a hunger strike?
Wangchuk is fasting to demand that protesting student leaders be allowed to meet Parliamentarians, or that he himself be permitted to meet them in hospital. His protest is linked to broader demands concerning Ladakh's political rights and status.
Which hospital is treating Sonam Wangchuk?
He is being treated at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, under a joint multidisciplinary team that also includes specialists from AIIMS, New Delhi.
Why is Wangchuk refusing IV fluids?
Wangchuk has declined intravenous fluids and glucose administration despite repeated medical advice, as part of his ongoing hunger strike. The hospital has stated that this refusal complicates his treatment given his dehydration and blood abnormalities.
How long has Sonam Wangchuk been fasting?
As of 21 July, Wangchuk's fast is in its 23rd day. He was removed from Jantar Mantar by Delhi Police on Saturday and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, but issued a handwritten note on Monday reaffirming his intention to continue fasting.
