Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Safdarjung Doctors Seek Protection of Wangchuk's Right to Leave
Sonam Wangchuk, a climate activist, has been on a hunger strike to protest alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
He was hospitalized at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi on 18 July due to his deteriorating health.
The Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) has written to the President of India, seeking protection of Wangchuk's right to leave the hospital under the Leave Against Medical Advice (LAMA) provision.
The RDA is concerned about the heavy security measures at the hospital, which they believe disrupt patient care and hospital operations.
They also called for an independent inquiry into Wangchuk's continued hospitalization and the police action against protesters at Jantar Mantar.
Wangchuk's current condition is stable, but he continues to refuse intravenous fluids and glucose, opting for oral rehydration therapy and potassium supplements.
Sonam Wangchuk, a climate activist, was hospitalized at Safdarjung Hospital on 18 July due to his deteriorating health from a hunger strike.
The Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) wrote to President Droupadi Murmu seeking protection of Wangchuk's right to leave the hospital under LAMA.
The RDA expressed concerns over heavy security measures at the hospital, disrupting patient care and hospital operations.
An independent inquiry was called for into Wangchuk's continued hospitalization and police action against protesters at Jantar Mantar.
Wangchuk's current condition is stable, but he continues to refuse intravenous fluids and glucose, opting for oral rehydration therapy and potassium supplements.
- Who
- Sonam Wangchuk, a climate activist and educationist, and the Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) of Safdarjung Hospital.
- What
- The RDA has written to President Droupadi Murmu seeking protection of Wangchuk's right to leave the hospital and an independent inquiry into his continued hospitalization and police action against protesters.
- When
- The letter was written on Tuesday, 19 July, following Wangchuk's hospitalization on 18 July.
- Where
- The events took place at Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi and Jantar Mantar, the protest location.
- Why
- The RDA expressed concerns over patient autonomy, medical ethics, institutional independence, and the functioning of public healthcare institutions.
Patient Autonomy and Medical Ethics
Public Safety and Legal Compliance
Patient's Right to Leave
Patient Autonomy and Medical Ethics
Doctors argue that Wangchuk has the right to leave the hospital under the Leave Against Medical Advice (LAMA) provision, emphasizing patient autonomy and medical ethics.
Public Safety and Legal Compliance
The government and hospital authorities maintain that Wangchuk's continued hospitalization is necessary due to his deteriorating health condition and refusal to seek voluntary medical treatment.
Security Measures
Patient Autonomy and Medical Ethics
Doctors express concern over the heavy security deployment and disruption of hospital operations, suggesting it compromises patient care and hospital independence.
Public Safety and Legal Compliance
Authorities justify the security measures as necessary to ensure public safety and prevent any potential risks associated with Wangchuk's condition.
- Patient
- Sonam Wangchuk
- Hospital
- Safdarjung Hospital
- Date of Hospitalization
- 18 July
- Current Condition
- Stable vital parameters but abnormal laboratory findings
- Treatment Refused
- Intravenous fluids and glucose
- Treatment Received
- Oral rehydration therapy and oral potassium supplements
- Protest Location
- Jantar Mantar
- Protest Issue
- Alleged irregularities in NEET examination and student deaths