Sonam Wangchuk, and his wife Gitanjali J Angmo, during the protest at Jantar Mantar | File Image Activist Sonam Wangchuk's doctor, Dr Nitin Dighe, on Saturday questioned the need for medical admission, calling the situation "suspicious." Sonam Wangchuk, admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after a 20-day hunger strike on Saturday, is under close medical observation and is experiencing generalised weakness, dehydration, and low serum potassium levels, according to the latest health bulletin released by the hospital. Dr. Dighe claimed that Wangchuk's potassium levels were normal during his last independent test, registering at 4.8 (above the standard baseline). Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 21 days, waves as he is shifted to a hospital from Jantar Mantar "My team and I have been doing his checkups for the past 20 days... I asked them why they have kept him here, we were told that he is showing potassium deficiency. I had taken his blood sample at 3 pm yesterday and potassium was normal at that time. It was 4.8, higher than the normal value of 3.5. Now, they are saying the value has dropped. When his wife is asking for a report, they are not giving one to her. This is suspicious," Dr. Nitin Dighe said. "...I am collecting his blood and taking it for a report. I will present the report to you. We do not trust the Government lab," he added. He further alleged that neither he nor Wangchuk’s legal team has been allowed access to the activist since his admission, raising concerns over transparency in his treatment. Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, backing the doctor, said, "Safdarjung Hospitals report says Wangchuk's potassium level is 2.9, whereas just yesterday it was 4.3. They are not allowing me to either get a second opinion by taking him to another lab not are they giving me his blood sample in my presence which i can get tested elsewhere." " I have been waiting since 3 hours but they haven’t obliged us yet. This lack of transparency is making us suspicious and we have asked to be discharged immediately so that we can go to a hospital that we are comfortable with. We are awaiting their response for the last 2 hours," she posted on X. Earlier in the day, Angmo had asked the hospital not to administer any treatment without her consent and sought his discharge. She has also written a letter to the hospital, asking Wanhchuk to be shifted to a medical centre of their choice as the "lack of transparency has shaken their trust". According to the latest health bulletin released by the Safdarjung Hospital, Wangchuk was conscious at the time of admission, with a stable pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. However, medical examinations revealed signs of dehydration and "compensated acidosis," along with a drop in potassium levels. The report further highlighted a concerning rise in urinary ketones, which increased from 1+ at admission to 3+ within hours. Despite medical advice, Wangchuk has refused intravenous fluids, oral rehydration, and any form of medication, the health bulletin said. Hospital authorities stated that he is being continuously monitored and counselled to accept treatment in the interest of his health. Apoorva Shukla is a journalist at Times Now, where she thrives on dissecting political developments both at home and abroad. A graduate of Delhi Univ... View More