Sonam Wangchuk refuses treatment after 20-day hunger strike, says hospital
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after a 20-day hunger strike, has refused intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution and other medicines despite
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after a 20-day hunger strike, has refused intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution and other medicines despite signs of dehydration and metabolic abnormalities, hospital authorities said on Saturday. The hospital said the 59-year-old activist was being continuously monitored and counselled to accept treatment in the interest of his health. He was shifted to the government hospital after his condition worsened on the 21st day of his indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar, with police citing medical advice and directions of the Delhi High Court. Read Full Story According to a health bulletin, Wangchuk was brought to the hospital by Delhi Police and admitted at 7:40 am with a history of fasting from solid food for 20 days and generalised weakness. The hospital said there was no history of fainting attacks.
At the time of admission, he was conscious and had stable pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation, but signs of dehydration were seen. The bulletin said blood gas analysis showed compensated acidosis with decreased serum potassium and a blood sugar level of 78 mg/dl. A repeat serum potassium test showed a similar result. Urinary ketones were 1+ at the time of admission and had increased to 3+ by 1 pm. “Although intravenous fluids were advised but the patient has refused all intravenous fluids, oral rehydration fluid or any other medication. He is being continuously monitored and counselled for treatment in best interest of his health,” the statement said. Sources aware of the developments said doctors were also counselling his family to allow treatment to begin without further delay. Shortly after his admission, 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.
In two letters to the medical superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital, Angmo said no oral or intravenous medicine or fluid should be given to Wangchuk without her consent and sought copies of all medical reports. In a separate communication, she asked that he be discharged so he could be shifted to a medical facility of the family's choice, citing “lack of transparency” and loss of confidence in the hospital. She claimed Wangchuk was “absolutely fine”, said the hospital had declined to share copies of medical reports despite repeated requests, and asserted that the proposed Parliament march on July 20 would go ahead as planned with his participation. Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 in support of the Cockroach Janta Party-led protest over alleged irregularities in the NEET and other examinations and reported deaths of students linked to it.
The BriefWire