Doctor Sonam Wangchuk warns of possible organ complications as hunger strike enters day 19 | Today’s news
As activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike entered its 19th day on Thursday, July 16, his attending physician, Dr. Satish Lamba warned that if the fast continues, it can lead to complications with multiple organs.
Addressing the media during a medical briefing, Dr Lamba said Wangchuk had lost more than 9kg since the fast began.
“Today, day 19 of his fast, his total weight loss is over 9 kilograms. His blood sugar today is 80 mg/dL and his pulse is 72 beats per minute. Blood pressure readings are 105/61 mmHg supine and 101/65 mmHg sitting.”
However, the medical team said Wangchuk remains well hydrated and mentally alert.
Wangchuk is entering the second phase of prolonged starvation
Dr Lamba said Wangchuk had now entered the second phase of prolonged starvation, during which the body begins to break down muscle tissue.
“The second phase involves elevated uric acid levels, indicating the breakdown and consumption of muscle, which has caused an increase in uric acid in the blood.”
He also warned that Wangchuk could soon enter a more critical phase.
“We are now facing a potential third phase, which could be alarming, involving the authorities. We have to take a wait-and-see approach to this. We are on extra vigilance 24 hours a day.”
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has asked the Center and the Delhi government to respond to a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking medical intervention for Wangchuk.
The hunger strike began on June 28, along with protests by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) 2026 and other examinations.
The protest has drawn solidarity from both public figures and opposition leaders, with a march from the protest site at Jantar Mantar to Parliament planned for 20 July to demand greater accountability from the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Ministry of Education.
