Gitanjali J. Angmo said that the hospital has said that Sonam Wangchuk’s potassium had dropped to 2.9, describing it as alarming and life-threatening, but had “conveniently omitted the actual number” in the public bulletin, referring only “decreasing potassium levels”. File
| Photo Credit: ANI
Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, on Sunday (July 19, 2026) said that she has moved the Delhi High Court and sought an urgent hearing to move Mr. Wangchuk from the Safdarjung Government Hospital, a day after the climate and education activist was forcibly admitted to the hospital.
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She said that the hospital has told them that Mr. Wangchuk’s potassium had dropped to 2.9, describing it as alarming and life-threatening, even though the hospital had “conveniently omitted the actual number” in the public bulletin, referring only “decreasing potassium levels”.
She added that she lost her faith in Safdarjung Government Hospital.
In a setback to his hunger strike, with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), at Jantar Mantar, Mr. Wangchuk was whisked away to the hospital by grabbing him behind raised curtains by plainclothes officers.
“When, after 10 hours and repeated requests, they allowed us to take samples of his blood at 10.30 p.m., an independent laboratory test reported 3.5, well within the normal range,” she posted on X, adding that “despite repeated requests, the hospital has refused to discharge him or allow us to shift him to a private hospital of our choice.”
“With around 30 police personnel stationed on our floor and well over 100 across the hospital, our movement is severely restricted. It is not medical care. It is illegal detention,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Safdarjung Hospital said on Sunday (July 19, 2026) Mr. Wangchuk is being given the “required medical intervention,” adding that a team of experts is closely monitoring his condition as his blood parameters remain marginally altered due to the physiological stress and systemic effects of prolonged fasting.
In a health bulletin, the hospital said, “Sonam Wangchuk is being given the required medical intervention at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital. 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”.
“The treating teams of doctors from VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS, New Delhi, are of the considered opinion that sustained medical intervention and round-the-clock clinical monitoring are essential to promptly detect and manage any potential complications that may arise despite his currently stable condition,” the hospital said.
Ms. Angmo said that if anything happens to Mr. Wangchuk, the hospital authorities and the government must bear full responsibility.
“I have therefore moved the High Court and sought an urgent hearing today, praying for permission to shift Sonam before his health deteriorates further. No family should have to fight the system simply to choose where their loved one receives medical care,” Ms. Angmo added in the emotional note.
(With inputs from PTI)
Published – July 19, 2026 11:08 am IST
