Sonam Wangchuk's wife demands family consent before any medical treatment after hospitalisation

Activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, has urged doctors not to administer any oral or intravenous treatment to her husband without the family's consent after he was shifted to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital following a prolonged hunger strike.

In a public statement, Angmo said that any medical intervention should be carried out only after consulting the family and in accordance with Wangchuk's wishes.

Wangchuk was admitted to the hospital after his health deteriorated during the 21st day of his indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar. Authorities moved him to the hospital following medical advice and directions from the Delhi High Court, which had instructed officials to closely monitor his health and intervene if his condition worsened.

Hospital officials later said that while Wangchuk is stable, he remains weak due to the prolonged fast and requires continuous medical observation.

The hospitalisation has sparked debate over patient consent and medical intervention during hunger strikes. Supporters have continued to back Wangchuk's protest, while his family has maintained that any treatment should respect his autonomy and involve their approval.