Top Doctors’ Associations Urge President Murmu to Intervene in Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalisation Case
New Delhi, July 21: The controversy surrounding the hospitalisation of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has intensified, with two of Delhi’s leading Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs) appealing to President Droupadi Murmu to intervene. The doctors have expressed concerns over medical ethics, patient rights and the independence of healthcare institutions following recent developments linked to Wangchuk’s detention and treatment.
A day after the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) of AIIMS wrote to the President seeking her intervention, the RDAs of Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital also submitted a representation highlighting what they described as serious concerns regarding the handling of Wangchuk’s hospitalisation.
In their appeal, the doctors emphasised that medical decisions should always remain free from external influence and be guided solely by independent clinical judgment. They stressed that hospitals and healthcare professionals must be allowed to function without pressure while ensuring that every patient’s rights are fully respected.
The doctors also underlined the importance of patient autonomy, saying that every competent individual has the right to dignity, informed consent and medical treatment in accordance with established ethical standards. They argued that these principles form the foundation of responsible medical practice and should be upheld in every situation.
The representation further raised concerns about protecting the independence of public healthcare institutions and maintaining trust in the medical profession. According to the doctors, hospitals should remain neutral spaces where patient welfare and ethical care take precedence over all other considerations.
The appeal comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Sonam Wangchuk, who was hospitalised after the recent police action during protests in Delhi. His continued hospitalisation and the circumstances surrounding it have triggered widespread debate, with several civil society groups, student organisations and public figures demanding transparency and accountability.
The doctors’ associations have urged President Murmu to take note of the concerns raised and ensure that constitutional values, medical ethics and patients’ rights are safeguarded. They believe that preserving the independence of healthcare institutions is essential for maintaining public confidence in India’s medical system.
As the issue continues to attract national attention, the intervention sought by the doctors adds another important dimension to the ongoing debate surrounding Wangchuk’s case and the treatment of peaceful protesters.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
