AIIMS expert backs urgent care for Wangchuk, activist denies
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been moved to a hospital in Delhi after his health declined during a 20-day hunger strike. While medical experts advise urgent fluid therapy, Wangchuk and his family have refused treatment and requested a transfer to a different facility.
Why it matters
The situation highlights the tension between state-mandated medical intervention and the personal autonomy of political protesters.
NEW DELHI: Delhi Police on Saturday shifted activist Sonam Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated during his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, saying the move was made on doctors’ advice and in compliance with Delhi high court’s directions.According to police, doctors visited the protest site at around 7am as part of a routine medical examination and found that Wangchuk’s condition had worsened.An officer said the medical team immediately informed police, following which he was shifted. Police said the doctors had also advised them on Friday that Wangchuk be moved to a hospital.Police denied allegations that protesters were detained or that a lathicharge was carried out during the operation.Doctors at Safdarjung found that after fasting for 20 days, he was dehydrated. Despite medical advice, Wangchuk refused intravenous fluids, oral rehydration fluids and medication.
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