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NEW DELHI: Activist Sonam Wangchuk has lost more than 9kgs since beginning his indefinite hunger strike, with doctors warning that he may soon enter a potentially “alarming” phase involving organ damage as his fast reached Day 19.Providing an update on Wangchuk’s health, Dr Satish Lamba said the activist remains mentally alert and medically stable for now, but warned that doctors are closely monitoring signs that his condition could deteriorate.“Today, on the 19th day of hunger strike, his total weight loss exceeds 9 kilograms. His blood sugar today is 80 mg/dL, and his pulse is 72 beats per minute. His blood pressure readings are 105/61 mmHg while lying down and 101/65 mmHg while sitting. His hydration status is fair, and he is mentally alert. His current weight is 56.9 kg,” Lamba said.Explaining the medical concerns, he added, “The second stage involves elevated uric acid levels, indicating muscle breakdown and consumption, which has caused the rise in blood uric acid. We now face a potential third stage, which could be alarming, involving organ involvement; for this, we must adopt a ‘wait and watch’ approach. We are maintaining extra vigilance around the clock.”Despite repeated appeals from political leaders, supporters and even legal intervention seeking directions to end his fast, Wangchuk has refused to call off the protest, saying doing so without any response from the government would send the wrong message.“If I eat, what message will go? The message to the government will be that there is no need for accountability. Protesters sit and leave…” he said.In a video message shared on Day 18 of his fast, Wangchuk said he had received thousands of messages urging him to stop fasting and that several senior politicians had personally appealed to him.Seeking to reassure supporters, he said medical tests conducted so far had not shown any immediate danger. “My condition is not such that I will die in two-four days. Many medical tests have been conducted and the results are quite normal for an 18-day fast. An ECG was also done and it is not bad. I can continue for many more days,” he said.He acknowledged experiencing weakness and muscle loss but maintained that his heart and other vital functions remained stable.Rather than asking people to focus on his fast, Wangchuk urged supporters to strengthen the Cockroach Janta Party’s proposed “Chalo Sansad” march on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon session of Parliament.
