In a significant Sonam Wangchuk Health Update, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday ordered the immediate transfer of activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, directing that he remain under continuous specialist medical supervision. The order came after the Centre informed the court that it had no objection to shifting Wangchuk to a private medical facility.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia passed the order while hearing an appeal filed by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo. She had challenged an earlier High Court order delivered on Sunday that declined to intervene in her husband’s ongoing treatment at the Centre-run Safdarjung Hospital.
Sonam Wangchuk Health Update: Delhi High Court Allows Immediate Transfer to Medanta
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, informed the court that the government had no objection to Wangchuk being shifted to Medanta Hospital. However, he requested that the activist should not seek discharge from the hospital against medical advice, considering his fragile health condition.
Accepting the submissions, the High Court directed that Wangchuk be transferred immediately and remain under expert medical care. The bench also instructed the Director of Medanta Hospital to constitute a dedicated team of specialists to monitor his health round the clock.
Doctors Agree Continuous Medical Supervision Is Necessary
The court interacted with doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), who have been monitoring Wangchuk’s condition alongside specialists at Safdarjung Hospital. Wangchuk’s personal physician also participated in the proceedings.
After hearing the medical experts, the bench noted that there was complete consensus among all doctors that Wangchuk required uninterrupted medical supervision due to his condition. The judges observed that continuous monitoring was essential for his safety and recovery.
To ensure family support during treatment, the High Court also directed Medanta Hospital to allow Gitanjali Angmo to meet her husband whenever she wishes during his stay.
Background: Health Concerns Grow During Prolonged Fast
The latest court order comes amid growing concern over Wangchuk’s health after his prolonged hunger strike as part of an ongoing public campaign. Medical updates released over the past several days have indicated significant weight loss, muscle depletion and increasing physical weakness, prompting doctors to recommend intensive medical observation.
His family had approached the High Court seeking better medical treatment, arguing that his deteriorating condition required specialised care available at a multi-speciality private hospital.
Previous Court Proceedings Led to Fresh Appeal
Earlier, the Delhi High Court had declined to interfere with Wangchuk’s treatment at Safdarjung Hospital, observing that he was already receiving medical attention under a team of doctors. Dissatisfied with the decision, his wife filed a fresh appeal requesting his transfer to Medanta Hospital, citing concerns over his worsening health.
During the latest hearing, the Centre’s consent to the transfer paved the way for the High Court to issue immediate directions for shifting Wangchuk and ensuring continuous expert supervision.
Court Balances Medical Care With Patient Safety
While permitting the transfer, the High Court emphasised that the priority remained Wangchuk’s health and safety. The bench made it clear that medical decisions should be guided by professional advice rather than personal preference, particularly given the seriousness of his condition.
The court’s direction that Wangchuk should not leave Medanta Hospital against medical advice reflects the judiciary’s focus on ensuring uninterrupted treatment while respecting the recommendations of healthcare professionals.
Medical Team to Monitor Recovery Round the Clock
Under the High Court’s directions, Medanta Hospital will now establish a specialised medical team comprising experts from relevant disciplines to continuously assess Wangchuk’s condition. The hospital is expected to provide comprehensive care, including regular monitoring of vital parameters and timely intervention whenever required.
The court’s decision is being seen as an effort to ensure that the activist receives the highest level of medical attention while legal proceedings relating to his treatment continue. As Wangchuk remains under close observation, his health condition is expected to be monitored carefully over the coming days, with further medical decisions likely to depend on the advice of the specialist team.
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