Sonam Wangchuk hospitalised after 21-day fast: blood parameters altered, under 24/7 watch
Synopsis
After 21 days on hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, Sonam Wangchuk's blood parameters are 'marginally altered' even as his vitals remain stable — with doctors from both Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS keeping him under round-the-clock watch. His wife is now demanding a transfer, citing lack of transparency in his treatment.
Key Takeaways
Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalised on 18 July after his health deteriorated following a 21-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi .
His vital parameters are stable, but blood parameters remain 'marginally altered', according to VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital .
Treating teams from Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS, New Delhi have recommended sustained, round-the-clock medical monitoring.
His wife Gitanjali J.
Angmo has written to the hospital demanding discharge and transfer to a facility of the family's choice, citing 'lack of transparency'.
Wangchuk joined the CJP protest on 28 June , which has been ongoing since 6 June demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak .
Climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk, hospitalised after a 21-day hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, remains in a stable condition but with 'marginally altered' blood parameters, Safdarjung Hospital officials said on Sunday, 19 July. Doctors have placed him under continuous round-the-clock monitoring to detect and manage any complications that may arise despite his current stability.
Hospital Bulletin: What Doctors Said
In its latest health update, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital stated: 'His vital parameters are stable at present; however, his blood parameters remain marginally altered, and considering the physiological stress and systemic effects of prolonged fasting, he requires continuous medical care under the close observation of a multidisciplinary team of experts.'
Treating teams from both Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS, New Delhi have jointly concluded that 'sustained medical intervention and round-the-clock clinical monitoring are essential to promptly detect and manage any potential complications.' All necessary medical care is being provided, and his clinical status is being continuously assessed.
How Wangchuk Reached Hospital
Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital in the early hours of Saturday, 18 July, after his health deteriorated. The transfer was carried out in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court and on the advice of medical experts. Delhi Police personnel arrived at the protest site that morning, and the activist was moved amid sloganeering and protests by Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) activists and members of the public gathered there.
Family Demands Transfer, Cites Lack of Transparency
Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, wrote a letter to the hospital on Sunday requesting that discharge formalities be completed at the earliest so that he could be shifted to a medical centre of the family's choice. She cited what she described as a 'lack of transparency' in his current treatment as the reason for the request.
Background: The NEET Protest and Wangchuk's Hunger Strike
The CJP has been protesting at Jantar Mantar since 6 June, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak case. Wangchuk, widely known for his work in Ladakh and as the inspiration behind the Bollywood film 3 Idiots, officially joined and began an indefinite hunger strike at the protest site on 28 June. This marks the activist's most prolonged fast in the national capital, and it comes at a moment when the NEET controversy has already drawn sustained political and public scrutiny across India.
As Wangchuk's condition continues to be monitored, the family's demand for a hospital transfer and the ongoing NEET protest are expected to keep the situation in focus in the days ahead.
Point of View
Combined with the police presence at the protest site, suggests the administration is acutely aware of the reputational cost of a high-profile activist's health deteriorating in public view. Yet the family's allegation of 'lack of transparency' in treatment introduces a trust deficit that the hospital has not yet publicly addressed. The broader NEET controversy — which triggered this protest — remains unresolved, meaning the political pressure that drove Wangchuk to fast is unlikely to dissipate simply because he is now in a hospital bed.
NationPress
19 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sonam Wangchuk's current health condition?
As of Sunday, 19 July, Wangchuk's vital parameters are stable, but his blood parameters remain 'marginally altered' due to the physiological effects of prolonged fasting. He is under continuous monitoring by a multidisciplinary team at Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS, New Delhi.
Why was Sonam Wangchuk on a hunger strike?
Wangchuk joined a protest by Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, which has been ongoing since 6 June, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak case. He officially began his indefinite hunger strike on 28 June.
Why was Wangchuk shifted to Safdarjung Hospital?
He was hospitalised in the early hours of 18 July after his health deteriorated following 21 days of fasting. The transfer was carried out in compliance with Delhi High Court directions and on the advice of medical experts.
What has Wangchuk's family said about his hospitalisation?
His wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, wrote to Safdarjung Hospital requesting discharge at the earliest so he can be moved to a medical centre of the family's choice. She cited a 'lack of transparency' in his current treatment.
Who is treating Sonam Wangchuk?
A multidisciplinary team from VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, along with treating doctors from AIIMS, New Delhi, is jointly overseeing his care and monitoring his clinical status round the clock.
