Low Potassium, Dehydration: Sonam Wangchuk's Condition Detailed in Safdarjung Health Bulletin
India NewsReported by:Kritika TiwariEdited by:Apoorva ShuklaUpdated Jul 18, 2026, 16:01 ISTActivist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital after a 20-day hunger strike on Saturday by the. . .
India NewsReported by:Kritika TiwariEdited by:Apoorva ShuklaUpdated Jul 18, 2026, 16:01 ISTActivist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital after a 20-day hunger strike on Saturday by the Delhi Police. Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 21 days, waves as he is shifted to a hospital from Jantar MantarPhoto :PTISonam Wangchuk, admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after a 20-day hunger strike on Saturday, is under close medical observation and is experiencing generalised weakness, dehydration, and low serum potassium levels, according to the latest health bulletin released by the hospital. Doctors noted thatWangchuk was consciousat the time of admission, with a stable pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. However, medical examinations revealed signs of dehydration and "compensated acidosis," along with a drop in potassium levels. Potassium is a key electrolyte essential for proper muscle and nerve function. The report further highlighted a concerning rise in urinary ketones, which increased from 1+ at admission to 3+ within hours, indicating the body is increasingly relying on fat breakdown due to prolonged fasting. Despite medical advice, Wangchuk has refused intravenous fluids, oral rehydration, and any form of medication, the health bulletin said. Hospital authorities stated that he is being continuously monitored and counselled to accept treatment in the interest of his health. Shortly after his hospitalisation, Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, asked the hospital not to administer any treatment without her consent and sought his discharge, alleging a lack of transparency in his medical care. She has also written a letter to the hospital, asking Wanhchuk to be shifted to shift him to a medical centre of their choice as the "lack of transparency has shaken their trust". She claimed Wangchuk was "absolutely fine" but the Safdarjung Hospital has declined to share copies of medical reports despite repeated requests. The activist was shifted to the government hospital at 7. 40 am on Saturday as Wangchuk entered the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, with the police citing medical advice and directions of the Delhi High Court. On Friday, doctors said Wangchuk had lost nearly 9. 5 kg since the beginning of the hunger strike, while his blood pressure and blood sugar levels had remained under close monitoring. Apoorva ShuklaauthorApoorva Shukla is a journalist at Times Now, where she thrives on dissecting political developments both at home and abroad. A graduate of Delhi Univ. . . View MoreNewsIndia NewsEnd of Article