New Delhi [India], July 18 – Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife on Saturday urged authorities not to administer any medical treatment to him without the consent of his family or the doctors who had been monitoring his health, hours after Delhi police shifted the fasting activist to Safdarjung hospital.
Wangchuk was taken to the hospital on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike after police removed him from the protest site at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. He has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG examination paper leak a judicial probe into examination related irregularities and student suicides linked to the examination system.
Gitanjali J. Angmo, who reached Safdarjung hospital after his admission said no oral or intravenous medication should be given to Wangchuk without the approval of his family and the doctors supervising his fast.
“I forbid them from administering anything without my consent. No treatment should start without my consent.” she told the media, adding that Wangchuk had appeared stable on Friday and did not require hospitalisation.
Delhi Police said the decision to shift Wangchuk was made on expert medical advice and in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court which had ordered regular health assessments during his fast.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma said officers acted after Wangchuk’s health deteriorated. He said protesters attempted to obstruct the operation causing a brief commotion but police exercised restraint and completed the transfer safely.
Wangchuk remains under medical supervision at Safdarjung hospital as authorities continue to monitor his condition.
