SRINAGAR: Ladakhi innovator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk remains under close medical observation at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital, where doctors on Sunday said his condition is stable but requires continuous monitoring due to the physiological stress caused by prolonged fasting.
According to the hospital’s fourth health bulletin issued at 8:30 am, Wangchuk’s vital parameters are stable, though his blood parameters remain “marginally altered.” The bulletin said he is receiving all necessary medical intervention under the close supervision of a multidisciplinary team of experts.
The treating teams from VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS, New Delhi, have advised that sustained medical care and round-the-clock clinical monitoring are essential to promptly detect and manage any complications that may arise despite his present stable condition. The hospital added that his clinical status, including blood parameters, is being continuously monitored.
However, Wangchuk’s wife, Dr Gitanjali Angmo, strongly questioned the hospital’s handling of his treatment and announced that she has approached the Delhi High Court seeking urgent permission to shift him to a private hospital.
In a post on X, Dr Angmo alleged that the hospital informed the family that Wangchuk’s potassium level had fallen to **2.9**, describing it as “alarming and life-threatening,” but omitted the actual figure in its public health bulletin, referring only to altered blood parameters. She further claimed that an independent laboratory test reported his potassium level at **3.5**, which she said falls within the normal range.
Expressing a loss of faith in Safdarjung Hospital, Dr Angmo alleged that despite repeated requests, the authorities have refused to discharge Wangchuk or permit his transfer to a private hospital of the family’s choice.
She also claimed that around 30 police personnel were deployed on the hospital floor and more than 100 across the hospital premises, severely restricting the family’s movement. Calling the situation “illegal detention” rather than medical care, she said the family feared for Wangchuk’s safety.
“If anything happens to Sonam, the hospital authorities and the government must bear full responsibility,” she said.
Dr Angmo said she has moved the High Court seeking an urgent hearing, urging the court to allow Wangchuk’s transfer before his health deteriorates further. She added that no family should have to fight the system simply to decide where their loved one receives medical treatment.
The High Court is expected to hear the matter later in the day.
