Safdarjung Doctors Flag Patient Rights and Hospital Independence in Sonam Wangchuk Case

The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) of Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital has written to the President of India seeking immediate intervention over issues arising from the continued hospitalisation of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk at Safdarjung Hospital. In a representation dated July 21, 2026, the association has called for the protection of constitutional rights, medical ethics, patient autonomy, institutional independence, and an independent inquiry into the reported events at Jantar Mantar.

The letter expresses concern over the circumstances surrounding Wangchuk’s continued stay at the hospital, stating that the developments have raised important questions regarding patient autonomy, medical ethics, institutional independence, and the functioning of public healthcare institutions.

Buy Now: Supreme court Judgements E-Compilation – JUNE 2026

Patient Must Be Treated With Dignity and Clinical Independence: RDA

The doctors’ body emphasized that the necessity of a patient’s continued hospitalisation is a matter of independent clinical judgment and that every individual admitted to a hospital is entitled to be treated with dignity, compassion, and in accordance with established medical ethics and the Constitution.

According to the representation, any restriction on a patient’s liberty must be exercised strictly in accordance with law, remain proportionate and transparent, and should not compromise patient rights, the professional independence of treating doctors, or the normal functioning of the hospital.

Security Measures at Hospital Raise Concerns

The association referred to publicly available reports and visuals regarding Wangchuk’s hospitalisation, stating that the reported extraordinary security arrangements at Safdarjung Hospital—including restricted access to hospital areas, sealing of portions of the hospital, deployment of extensive security personnel across multiple floors, and restrictions on routine hospital operations—have generated widespread concern.

The RDA observed that if these measures disrupted patient care, impeded access to healthcare services, or created an environment in which the hospital appeared to function as an extension of law enforcement rather than a place of healing, the matter would warrant an independent examination.

Concerns Over Events at Jantar Mantar

Apart from the developments at the hospital, the association also expressed concern over reports relating to the events at Jantar Mantar, where peaceful demonstrators were allegedly subjected to the use of force.

The representation states that if such incidents are established, they risk eroding public confidence in constitutional institutions and creating an atmosphere of fear among citizens, including members of the medical fraternity exercising their democratic rights peacefully.

Eight Key Requests Made to the President

In its representation, the Resident Doctors’ Association sought the President’s intervention on several issues, including:

Protection of patient rights, particularly with regard to reports that Wangchuk, despite allegedly being a competent patient, was not permitted to avail Leave Against Medical Advice (LAMA).
Safeguarding the independence of medical decision-making from non-clinical influence.
Ensuring that public hospitals remain institutions dedicated solely to healthcare and are not perceived to be used for non-medical purposes.
Examining whether the security arrangements at Safdarjung Hospital were proportionate and whether they adversely affected patient care, hospital functioning, and access to medical services.
Fixing accountability wherever violations of constitutional rights, medical ethics, or established legal procedures are found.
Ordering an independent examination into allegations regarding the use of disproportionate force against peaceful protesters.
Protecting healthcare professionals, faculty members, resident doctors, medical students, and citizens exercising their constitutional rights peacefully from intimidation, violence, or misuse of authority.
Restoring transparency, institutional independence, and public confidence in the healthcare system.

Doctors Reaffirm Commitment to Public Healthcare

Concluding the representation, the Resident Doctors’ Association reaffirmed its commitment to patients and to upholding the constitutional values governing the Republic. The association expressed hope that the President’s intervention would reinforce public confidence in constitutional institutions and ensure that hospitals across India continue to function as places of healing, dignity, compassion, integrity, and respect for the rule of law.

The representation is signed by office-bearers of the Resident Doctors’ Association, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, including its President, Vice President, General Secretary, Joint Secretary, and Treasurer.