Safdarjung Hospital has come under intense public scrutiny after activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, accused the hospital of refusing to hand over his medical reports and maintaining what she described as “prison-like” conditions during his stay. The allegations surfaced just hours after Wangchuk was shifted from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike.
The development has added a fresh layer of controversy to an already high-profile protest centred on alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and student welfare. While authorities maintain that Wangchuk was admitted on medical grounds following expert advice and court directions, his family has questioned both the transparency of the treatment process and the security arrangements at the hospital.
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Wife Raises Questions Over Medical Transparency
Speaking to reporters outside Safdarjung Hospital, Gitanjali J. Angmo said her husband was stable despite being on a prolonged hunger strike. However, she expressed serious concerns over the hospital’s refusal to provide copies of his medical reports, despite multiple requests from the family.
According to Angmo, doctors informed them that Wangchuk’s potassium level had reportedly dropped from 4.3 to 2.9 within a day, describing the situation as potentially life-threatening. However, she questioned the sudden change, saying that the family was only shown the reports without being allowed to obtain copies.
She argued that this lack of transparency had created significant trust issues. In her view, access to medical records is essential for family members to make informed decisions about treatment, especially in cases involving prolonged fasting.
The issue has placed Safdarjung Hospital at the centre of public debate, with supporters demanding greater openness regarding Wangchuk’s health condition.
Family Refuses Treatment Without Independent Verification
Angmo said she had formally instructed Safdarjung Hospital not to administer oral medication, intravenous fluids, or potassium supplements without her explicit consent.
She explained that the family intends to have Wangchuk medically examined by another trusted healthcare facility before approving any treatment. According to her, an independent medical evaluation is necessary because the family has lost confidence in the current handling of his care.
The decision reflects growing concerns among Wangchuk’s supporters, many of whom believe that complete medical transparency is essential whenever a public figure involved in a sensitive protest is hospitalised.
Request for Immediate Discharge
Along with seeking access to medical records, Angmo submitted letters to the Medical Superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital requesting Wangchuk’s discharge.
She stated that the family wishes to shift him to another hospital of their choice where they feel more comfortable with the treatment process. The request was based primarily on what she described as a lack of transparency and declining confidence in the current medical arrangements.
The hospital has not publicly responded to these specific allegations regarding the family’s requests.
Concerns Over Heavy Police Presence
Apart from medical issues, Angmo also questioned the security arrangements outside Safdarjung Hospital.
She alleged that family members were not allowed to carry mobile phones inside certain areas and described the atmosphere as resembling a detention facility rather than a healthcare institution.
According to her, the visible police deployment raised questions about whether the situation was being managed solely as a medical emergency or involved additional administrative concerns.
Her remarks have attracted widespread attention on social media, where supporters have debated the balance between security protocols and patients’ rights.
Parliament March to Continue as Planned
Despite Wangchuk’s hospitalisation, organisers have made it clear that the movement will continue without interruption.
Angmo confirmed that the planned Parliament march scheduled for July 20 remains unchanged. She expressed confidence that Wangchuk would recover sufficiently to participate.
Even if his medical condition prevents him from attending personally, she said she is prepared to lead the march on his behalf.
According to her, shifting Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital cannot stop a movement that now has significant public participation, particularly among young people.
Organisers have similarly maintained that the protest has grown beyond one individual and now represents broader concerns about transparency, accountability, and education reforms.
Hunger Strike Enters Critical Phase
Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led campaign concerning alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and reports of student deaths linked to the controversy.
Medical experts generally note that prolonged fasting beyond two to three weeks can significantly increase health risks, including electrolyte imbalance, muscle loss, dehydration, cardiac complications, and organ dysfunction.
Potassium levels receive particular attention because the mineral plays a crucial role in maintaining normal heart rhythm, nerve function, and muscle activity. A substantial decline in potassium can become medically serious if not addressed appropriately.
This medical background explains why doctors closely monitor patients undergoing extended hunger strikes, although disagreements sometimes arise regarding treatment decisions and patient consent.
Dr. Satish Lamba Says He Could Not Meet Sonam Wangchuk at Safdarjung Hospita
Dr. Satish Lamba, who had reportedly monitored Wangchuk throughout much of his hunger strike, stated that he was unable to meet the activist after he was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital.
His comments have further fuelled discussion among supporters, who argue that continuity of medical care can be important during prolonged fasting.
Although hospitals often follow security and administrative protocols in sensitive cases, the inability of an existing treating physician to examine the patient has become another point of concern raised by the protest organisers.
Hospitalisation Followed Court Directions
Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar early Saturday morning, stating that the decision followed expert medical advice and directions issued by the Delhi High Court.
Authorities have maintained that the transfer was undertaken solely to ensure appropriate medical care as Wangchuk’s prolonged fast entered a potentially dangerous stage.
Such interventions are not uncommon during extended hunger strikes when medical professionals determine that continued fasting could pose serious health risks.
However, the family’s allegations against Safdarjung Hospital have shifted attention from the medical emergency itself to questions surrounding transparency, patient rights, and communication with relatives.
Protest Broadens Beyond Medical Concerns
Throughout her interaction with the media, Angmo argued that the ongoing movement extends beyond Wangchuk’s personal protest.
She described the campaign as a broader effort to demand accountability in India’s education system, particularly following allegations surrounding the NEET examination.
According to her, the movement reflects growing frustration among students and families who want greater transparency in competitive examinations and stronger institutional accountability.
She also praised the participation of young protesters, describing the demonstrations as peaceful and organised.
The protest organisers continue to insist that the Parliament march will proceed as scheduled regardless of Wangchuk’s medical condition, signalling that the campaign has evolved into a wider public movement even as Safdarjung Hospital remains at the centre of the latest controversy.
