PIL moved in Delhi HC had sought immediate medical intervention for Sonam Wangchuk amid hunger strike

NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court Thursday asked the Centre and the city government, both led by the BJP, to regularly monitor the deteriorating health of Sonam Wangchuk, who entered the day 19 of his indefinite hunger strike against alleged irregularities in the NEET medical examination.Hearing a PIL over fasting activist’s dwindling health, the high court noted that “life is precious” and asked both the governments to provide, if needed, medical aid, to the Ladakh native.Doctors have warned that Wangchuk may soon enter a potentially “alarming” phase involving organ damage. Wangchuk has reportedly lost more than 9kgs since beginning his indefinite hunger strike.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.”