The Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) of Safdarjung Hospital and Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) sought President Draupadi Murmu’s intervention over the continued hospitalisation of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, alleging that recent developments have raised serious concerns over patient rights, medical ethics, constitutional freedoms and the independence of public healthcare institutions.
In a strongly worded letter, the RDA said that while Wangchuk's medical condition and the need for continued hospitalisation were matters of independent clinical judgment, every person admitted to a hospital must be treated first and foremost as a patient, with dignity, compassion and in accordance with medical ethics and the Constitution.
The association stressed that any restriction on a patient's liberty must be exercised strictly within the framework of law, remain proportionate and transparent, and should not compromise patient rights, the professional independence of doctors or the functioning of the hospital.
Sonam Wangchuk has been fasting since early July to demand systemic accountability in India's education system – specifically calling for the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan following widespread competitive exam paper leaks including NEET (National Entrance cum Eligibility Test), which led to the result cancellation in May this year.
He had joined the protest called by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-based satirical political movement launched by Abhijit Dipke.
Additionally, Wangchuk fast was in solidarity with youth-led protests and in support of constitutional demands and statehood for his home territory of Ladakh.
Wangchuk was hospitalised at Safdarjung hospital on July 18 by cops following a Delhi high court order.
'HOSPITALS UNDER SEIGE'
The doctors expressed concern over reports and widely circulated visuals showing extraordinary security arrangements at Safdarjung Hospital during Wangchuk's stay.
They referred to restricted access to hospital areas, sealing of portions of the premises, deployment of heavy security across multiple floors and curbs on routine hospital operations.
The RDA said that if these measures disrupted patient care, restricted access to healthcare services or created the impression that the hospital had become an extension of law enforcement rather than a place of healing, the matter deserved an independent examination.
The association also flagged reports that Wangchuk, despite allegedly being a competent patient, was not allowed to avail Leave Against Medical Advice (LAMA).
If true, it said, such actions raised serious questions about informed consent, personal liberty and constitutional rights, adding that hospitals should never be perceived as places of detention except where expressly authorised by law.
The letter further warned against the use of government hospitals, healthcare personnel and medical services in any manner that creates the perception of serving non-medical objectives.
It said security arrangements, if necessary, must remain proportionate and should never interfere with patient care, hospital access or the independent functioning of healthcare professionals.
RIGHTS AND ACCOUNTABILITY
The resident doctors also raised concerns over reports of the alleged use of force against peaceful demonstrators at Jantar Mantar, including lathi-charge and tear gas. Such incidents, if established, raised questions about the exercise of constitutional freedoms, proportionality in the use of force and adherence to due process, the association said.
It 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 disturbing.
The RDA demanded an independent, impartial and time-bound inquiry into these incidents.
The association cautioned that such developments further erode public trust in doctors and expose healthcare workers to greater hostility and violence despite having no role in administrative or political decisions.
It also warned that any perception of hospital administrations aligning with non-medical or political interests undermines medical ethics, professional autonomy and the credibility of public institutions.
According to the letter, the cumulative effect of these events has created widespread anxiety and unrest among resident doctors, with the potential to adversely affect morale, healthcare delivery and industrial harmony if left unaddressed.
The RDA has urged the President to order an independent enquiry into the recent events, safeguard the rights of competent patients, and ensure that public hospitals remain exclusively dedicated to healthcare.
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Published On:
Jul 21, 2026 12:23 IST