NEW DELHI: Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital after completing a 20-day hunger strike, has refused intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution (ORS) and other medications despite showing signs of dehydration and metabolic abnormalities, hospital authorities said on Saturday.According to news agency PTI, the hospital said that Wangchuk is being continuously monitored and counselled to accept treatment in the interest of his health.Wangchuk, 59, was brought to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police and admitted at 7:40 am after completing 20 days of fasting without solid food. The hospital said he had complaints of generalised weakness and no history of fainting attacks.At the time of admission, Wangchuk was conscious, with stable pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels. However, signs of dehydration were observed, according to the hospital’s health bulletin. Blood gas analysis revealed compensated acidosis with decreased serum potassium with blood sugar of 78 mg/dl. Repeat serum potassium test was similar. Urinary ketones were 1+ at the time of admission which have increased to 3+ by 1 pm, it said. “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 in the know of the developments also said that doctors are also counselling his family to allow treatment to begin without further delay.Soon after his hospitalisation, Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, requested the hospital not to administer any treatment without her consent and sought his discharge, alleging a lack of transparency in his medical care.The activist was shifted to the government hospital after his health deteriorated on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Police said the move was made on medical advice and in compliance with the Delhi High Court’s directions.In two letters addressed to the Medical Superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital, Angmo requested that no oral or intravenous medicines or fluids be administered to Wangchuk without her consent. She also sought copies of all his medical reports.In a separate communication, she requested his discharge so that 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”, but the Safdarjung Hospital has declined to share copies of medical reports despite repeated requests. She also asserted that the proposed Parliament march on July 20 will 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.Wangchuk’s health had been steadily declining over the past three weeks. On Friday, doctors said he had lost nearly 9.5 kg since beginning his hunger strike, while his blood pressure and blood sugar levels were being closely monitored. On Friday night, Wangchuk had said he was still determined to continue the fast despite his worsening condition, claiming he had “lost 20 per cent of my body” during the hunger strike. (With agency inputs)
