Court Issues Directives to Ensure Compliance with National Blood Policy and Enhance Healthcare Facilities
In a significant ruling aimed at improving healthcare services in Jharkhand, the Jharkhand High Court has issued comprehensive directives to the state government and private health institutions. The court, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), observed gross non-compliance with the National Blood Policy and related healthcare guidelines. The judgment, delivered by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar, mandates the state to ensure 100% voluntary blood donation and establish Blood Component Separation Units (BCSUs) in every district within three months.
The court's intervention comes after a prolonged period of monitoring and multiple hearings where the state authorities repeatedly failed to adhere to national health guidelines. The directives include organizing regular voluntary blood donation camps to eliminate the need for replacement donations, a practice that has burdened patients' relatives. The bench highlighted the urgent need to make Day Care Centres fully operational in line with national guidelines on hemoglobinopathies and sickle cell disease.
Additionally, the court has ordered the establishment of a grievance redressal mechanism, including a mobile app, website, and toll-free number, to assist patients in need of blood without replacement demands. The judgment also calls for quarterly inspections and manpower adequacy checks at all blood banks to ensure compliance with recommendations from the Expert Working Group of the Directorate General of Health Services.
The court's decision underscores the critical need for systemic changes in the state's healthcare infrastructure to ensure the availability of safe blood and related healthcare services. Compliance with these directives is expected to be reviewed on March 20, 2026.
Bottom Line:
Directions issued to ensure compliance with the National Blood Policy and improvement of blood transfusion facilities and related healthcare services in the State of Jharkhand.
Statutory provision(s): National Blood Policy, Transfusion Guidelines Clause 2.1, National Health Mission Guidelines on Hemoglobinopathies, Guidelines for the National Programme for Prevention & Management of Sickle Cell Disease, Report of Expert Working Group of the DGHS.
Court on its Own Motion v. State of Jharkhand, (Jharkhand)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2829067
