The Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) of Safdarjung Hospital and Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) has written to President Droupadi Murmu, seeking her intervention over the continued hospitalisation of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The association said recent developments have raised serious concerns regarding patient rights, medical ethics, constitutional freedoms and the autonomy of public healthcare institutions.
In its strongly worded letter, the RDA said that decisions regarding Wangchuk's medical condition and the necessity of his continued hospitalisation should remain solely a matter of independent clinical judgment. It emphasised that every individual admitted to a hospital must be treated primarily as a patient, with dignity, compassion and in accordance with medical ethics and constitutional principles.
The association further stated that any restrictions on a patient's liberty must be imposed strictly within the bounds of the law, remain proportionate and transparent, and should never undermine patient rights, the professional independence of doctors or the functioning of the hospital.
Sonam Wangchuk has been on a fast since early July, demanding greater accountability in India's education system. He has specifically called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following multiple competitive examination paper leaks, including the NEET controversy, which led to the cancellation of the exam results in May.
Wangchuk joined the protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led satirical political movement founded by Abhijit Dipke.
His fast was also intended to express solidarity with youth-led protests and support constitutional demands, including statehood for his home region of Ladakh.
Following a Delhi High Court order, Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police on July 18.
'HOSPITALS UNDER SIEGE'
The RDA expressed concern over reports and widely circulated visuals showing heightened security arrangements at Safdarjung Hospital during Wangchuk's stay.
It referred to restricted access to certain parts of the hospital, sealed sections of the premises, heavy deployment of security personnel across multiple floors and disruptions to routine hospital operations.
The association said that if such measures had affected patient care, limited public access to healthcare or created the impression that the hospital was functioning as an extension of law enforcement rather than a healthcare institution, the matter warranted an independent investigation.
The RDA also highlighted reports claiming that Wangchuk, despite allegedly being medically competent to make his own decisions, was not permitted to take Leave Against Medical Advice (LAMA).
If accurate, the association said, such actions would raise serious concerns regarding informed consent, personal liberty and constitutional rights, stressing that hospitals should never be perceived as places of detention unless expressly authorised by law.
The letter further cautioned against the use of government hospitals, healthcare personnel or medical facilities in ways that could create the perception that they were being used for purposes unrelated to healthcare.
According to the RDA, any security arrangements deemed necessary should remain proportionate and must not interfere with patient care, hospital accessibility or the independent functioning of medical professionals.
RIGHTS AND ACCOUNTABILITY
The resident doctors also expressed concern over reports alleging the use of force against peaceful protesters at Jantar Mantar, including lathi-charge and the use of tear gas. If established, such incidents would raise questions about the protection of constitutional freedoms, proportionality in the use of force and adherence to due process, the association said.
The letter further alleged that doctors and healthcare professionals were among those affected and described reports of intimidation and physical misconduct involving faculty members and students of Lady Hardinge Medical College as equally alarming.
The RDA called for an independent, impartial and time-bound inquiry into these incidents.
It warned that such developments risk eroding public trust in the medical profession while exposing healthcare workers to increased hostility and violence despite their having no role in administrative or political decisions.
The association also said that any perception of hospital administrations aligning with non-medical or political interests undermines medical ethics, professional autonomy and the credibility of public healthcare institutions.
According to the letter, the cumulative impact of these developments has created widespread anxiety among resident doctors and could adversely affect morale, healthcare delivery and industrial harmony if left unresolved.
The RDA urged the President to order an independent inquiry into the recent events, protect the rights of competent patients and ensure that public hospitals remain solely dedicated to providing healthcare.
