Is there a threat to Sonam Wangchuk's life if he is shifted from hospital? Supporters express concern following his wife's plea

New Delhi: Social activist Sonam Wangchuk is currently undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital. Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar for 20 days over exam irregularities and demands for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation; on the 21st day (Saturday, July 18), the Delhi Police forcibly admitted him to Safdarjung Hospital. Meanwhile, Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court requesting permission to transfer him from Safdarjung Hospital to a private hospital.

According to reports, government sources state that moving Sonam Wangchuk from Safdarjung Hospital to another facility could endanger his life. They have also expressed disagreement with his wife's plea seeking court permission for the transfer to a private hospital.

Who would be held accountable if something happens to Wangchuk?

On the other hand, sources noted that this is the same court that had ordered the government to make arrangements for Wangchuk's proper medical care. It is difficult to argue that medical institutions like Safdarjung and AIIMS cannot provide treatment superior to that of private hospitals. Sources further questioned who would bear the responsibility if any untoward incident occurred after shifting Wangchuk to a private hospital. They stated that the government would have to answer why the patient was sent to a private hospital despite adequate treatment facilities being available in the government hospital.

What are the objections raised by Wangchuk's wife?

Wangchuk's wife alleges that despite repeated requests to the Safdarjung Hospital administration, she is being provided with only selective information. She claims there is a lack of transparency on the part of the hospital. Gitanjali has written to the hospital demanding Wangchuk's immediate discharge.
On a hunger strike since June 28
It is worth noting that Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike on June 28 in support of the ongoing protests—led by the 'Cockroach Janata Party'—against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

Message issued from the hospital
Sonam Wangchuk has issued a message ahead of the 'Parliament March' scheduled for tomorrow, July 20. He shared this message on his X handle, writing: "July 20: The second movement for freedom—a fear-free India, an injustice-free India." Wangchuk further wrote, "Freedom from injustice (such as paper leaks), freedom from fear (my illegal detention), India's second freedom movement; please make the Parliament March a success."