Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi on Saturday after his health deteriorated during an indefinite hunger strike [1].
The hospitalization marks a critical point in Wangchuk's protest against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. His condition reflects the physical toll of prolonged fasting used as a political tool to demand educational reforms.
Wangchuk began his hunger strike on June 28, 2026 [1]. Reports on the exact duration of the fast vary, with some stating it lasted 20 days [2] and others citing 21 days [1] before he was taken to the hospital.
Medical staff at Safdarjung Hospital said the activist is refusing intravenous fluids and medication despite urges from doctors to end the strike [2]. Dr. Charu Bamba, the hospital's medical superintendent, said Wangchuk is somewhat weak due to prolonged fasting and is experiencing mild dehydration. Bamba said all his vital parameters are stable [3].
While hospital officials describe his condition as stable, his family has noted specific concerns regarding his blood chemistry. Gitanjali Angmo, Wangchuk's wife, said his potassium level had dropped to 2.9 mmol/L from 4.3 mmol/L a day earlier [4].
Medical records from the time of admission indicate that his pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation remained stable [1]. The activist continues to maintain his position despite the physical decline, a move that has drawn significant attention to the NEET examination controversy.
Wangchuk's refusal of medical intervention persists as he remains admitted in the capital. The hospital continues to monitor his vital signs while the activist's supporters maintain their vigil for the resolution of the exam irregularities [2].
“Wangchuk is somewhat weak due to prolonged fasting and is experiencing mild dehydration.”
The hospitalization of Sonam Wangchuk elevates the visibility of the NEET examination protests, transforming a policy dispute into a humanitarian concern. By refusing medical treatment even while hospitalized, Wangchuk is employing a high-risk strategy to maintain moral pressure on the government, signaling that the demands for educational transparency outweigh his personal physical safety.
