NEW DELHI — Tensions escalated dramatically at Safdarjung Hospital as Gitanjali J. Angmo, the wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, engaged in a heated confrontation with hospital authorities and security personnel. The standoff occurred after she was barred from carrying her mobile phone into Wangchuk’s hospital room and allegedly denied physical or digital copies of his medical reports.
Wangchuk, who had reached the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar protesting alleged NEET examination irregularities, was shifted to the facility early Saturday morning by the Delhi Police. The police cited a Delhi High Court directive mandating strict medical monitoring due to the physical toll of his prolonged fast.
Confrontation Over Fundamental Rights
In a video capturing the argument inside the hospital facility, an agitated Angmo can be seen questioning the medical and security staff over the sudden and stringent restrictions.
"Why are you not letting my phone to be taken up? You understand, sir, Article 21 as a free individual? Please be professional. This is a fundamental right," Angmo argued, while a legal associate accompanying her questioned why they were not being allowed to maintain basic communication or receive a digital copy of the medical files.
The medical professional on duty attempted to distance the hospital administration from the heavy security measures, stating that his sole responsibility was the clinical care of the patient. “The police deployment outside is not by my doing. My job is to treat the patient, and I am doing that,” the doctor replied, explaining that the administrative and security restrictions were handled by law enforcement.
'Trust Issues' and Allegations of Secrecy
Speaking to reporters outside the premises, Angmo expressed severe "trust issues" due to a total lack of transparency from the hospital administration.
Contradictory Medical Reports: Angmo alleged that while doctors checked Wangchuk on Friday evening and found his vitals normal with a stable potassium level of 4.3, they suddenly claimed on Saturday that his potassium had plummeted to a "life-threatening" 2.9.
Withholding Documentation: The family alleged that while staff briefly showed them the numbers, they steadfastly refused to hand over copies of the medical reports despite repeated requests.
Heavy Security Presence: Questioning the massive police deployment, Angmo remarked, "If it's just a medical issue, why is there so much police here? Why are we not allowed to take our phones? It feels like this is Safdarjung prison, not Safdarjung hospital."
Family Refuses Treatment, Demands Discharge
Fearing political interference under the guise of medical care, Angmo has formally submitted letters to the Medical Superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital, strictly forbidding the administration of any oral or intravenous fluids—including potassium—without the explicit consent of the family.
Furthermore, Wangchuk's personal physician, Dr. Nitin Dighe, who has monitored the activist throughout his 20-day fast, was also denied access to the ward. Dr. Dighe publicly disputed the government hospital’s claims of a sudden potassium deficiency, labeling the sudden drop "suspicious" and stating that their independent tests from the previous afternoon showed normal levels.
The family has demanded Wangchuk’s immediate discharge so he can be moved to a trusted, independent medical facility. Despite the forced hospitalization, Angmo assured supporters that the ongoing agitation remains unaffected and the planned march to Parliament will proceed as scheduled.
