Will intervene based on doctors' advice: Centre to court on Sonam Wangchuk's fast
The Centre on Thursday told the Delhi High Court that it would provide any required medical intervention to activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on the
The Centre on Thursday told the Delhi High Court that it would provide any required medical intervention to activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on the 19th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, based on the advice of doctors monitoring his health. The statement came as the court heard a plea seeking urgent medical care for Wangchuk amid concerns over his deteriorating condition. Read Full Story A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed the Centre to ensure daily clinical monitoring of Wangchuk's health and take necessary steps whenever required, observing that "life of any citizen is precious".
"We would like this person to be regularly medically checked by government doctors and, depending on the report of the doctors, if any medication is required, please intervene. Every life is precious," the Bench orally observed. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, informed the court that Wangchuk's health was already being monitored by government doctors and medical experts. He assured the Bench that any assistance or intervention required, as advised by doctors based on Wangchuk's condition, would be provided. "We appreciate the stand taken by the learned Solicitor General and direct that Wangchuk's medical condition be clinically monitored on a daily basis and whatever medical intervention is required shall be taken," the court said while disposing of the petition.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini seeking directions to the Centre and the Delhi government to ensure Wangchuk's safety and provide necessary medical treatment, including shifting him to a hospital and administering force-feeding if required. The plea urged authorities to take steps to "protect the life and health" of Wangchuk and provide essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals through a liquid diet to sustain his health. Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over NEET examination irregularities.
Meanwhile, Dr Satish Lamba, senior general physician monitoring Wangchuk's health, said on Thursday that the activist's weight had dropped to 56.65 kg, a decline of 500 grams in the last 24 hours and over 9 kg since he began his hunger strike. His blood pressure was recorded at 105/61 mmHg, blood sugar level at 80 mg/dL and oxygen saturation at 97%. Ends
The BriefWire