The Delhi High Court has taken up a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding that the central government ensure that blood donation services operate 24 hours a day without any restrictions.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela has issued a notice to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, seeking its response on the matter. The case is scheduled for a hearing on July 9.
Petition Highlights Issues Faced by Blood Donors
The PIL was filed by Advocate Vishal Arun Mishra, who highlighted the difficulties faced by voluntary blood donors due to the restricted operational hours of blood banks, which usually close by 4 or 5 PM.
“For example, the petitioner himself is an Advocate-On-Record and has to be available in the Courts till 05:00 to 05:30 pm, hence, whenever petitioner gets any call during working hours, he has to deny the same due to his professional obligations,” the plea stated.
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The petition emphasized that blood donation is a noble cause, but many donors and NGOs struggle to contribute due to limited donation hours at hospitals.
Operational Blood Banks, But Limited Donation Hours
Even though blood banks operate round the clock, their donation facilities remain open only for limited hours. This results in difficulties for donors and creates risks for patients in need of urgent blood transfusions. The problem is not just limited to government hospitals but also extends to private hospitals, which follow similar restrictive policies.
“Despite the blood banks being operational 24 hours, the blood donation facility operates only within limited hours, causing difficulties for donors and jeopardizing patient care. This issue extends to private hospitals, which have adopted similar restrictive timings, further aggravating the problem,” the plea stated.
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Call for Government Action
The petitioner urged the Central Government to take proactive steps in encouraging voluntary blood donation and ensuring safety and comfort for donors. He requested that hospitals prioritize blood donation services and operate them without time restrictions.
The plea has been filed through Advocates U.M Tripathi, Rupali Panwar, and Shubham Gupta.
Title: VISHAL ARUN MISHRA v. Union of India
