The central government has ordered twice‑daily medical checks for Sonam Wangchuk and other hunger‑strike participants. Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital is the nodal emergency centre, and two ALS ambulances will stay on site. The move follows a request from Delhi Police over health concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Twice‑daily health examinations mandated for Sonam Wangchuk’s fast in its third week
- Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital designated as the primary emergency hub
- Two Advanced Life Support ambulances stationed at Jantar Mantar with round‑the‑clock nursing staff
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a directive for three central hospitals – Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Medical College – to conduct medical examinations twice a day (9 a.m. and 9 p.m.) for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and fellow hunger‑strikers at Jantar Mantar. The order was prompted by a request from Delhi Police, citing a “strong apprehension” that the protesters’ health could deteriorate.
Operational Details
RML Hospital is now the nodal facility for any emergency admission or intervention. The Centralised Accident & Trauma Services (CATS) has been instructed to keep two Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances permanently positioned at the protest site. All three hospitals must deploy round‑the‑clock nursing staff and submit daily health status reports to the ministry, rotating responsibilities on a predefined schedule.
Current Medical Data on Wangchuk
According to his medical team, Wangchuk has lost more than 9 kg since beginning the fast and currently weighs 56.9 kg. His blood sugar stands at 80 mg/dL, pulse at 72 beats per minute, and blood pressure at 105/61 mmHg while supine and 101/65 mmHg while seated. Doctors confirm he remains adequately hydrated and mentally alert, but he is under close observation.
Expert Medical Warnings
Dr Himanshu Sikri, a specialist in emergency medicine at RML Hospital, cautioned that fasting beyond two weeks carries significant medical risks even when vital signs appear stable. “Stable blood pressure or pulse should not be mistaken for safety; the body can mask serious metabolic changes,” he warned, highlighting risks such as muscle protein breakdown, electrolyte depletion, and potential cardiac, renal, and neurological complications. He also emphasized the need for a gradual re‑feeding protocol to avoid re‑feeding syndrome.
Broader Implications
This proactive health‑monitoring framework could set a precedent for managing future protests that involve prolonged fasting. By institutionalising systematic medical oversight, the government aims to balance public safety with the right to peaceful dissent. If successful, similar protocols may be adopted across states, shaping a new standard for health security during civil movements.
