HC issues notice on PIL challenging blood bank hours

New Delhi

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday agreed to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) highlighting the challenges faced by blood donors due to restricted blood bank hours, which usually end by 4 or 5 p.m.

The PIL urges the Centre to ensure 24/7 accessibility for blood donation services instead of the current limited hours. A bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela has sought a response from the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

Filed by advocate Vishal Arun Mishra, the plea states that many voluntary donors and NGOs are unable to donate blood due to restricted hours, especially in government hospitals. Mishra, an Advocate-on-Record, noted that court obligations prevent him from donating blood during working hours.

The petition points out that at Safdarjung Hospital, blood donation is allowed only from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while AIIMS Delhi operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. This limited window makes it difficult for donors with professional commitments to contribute.

Despite blood banks operating 24 hours, donation services remain restricted, affecting both public and private hospitals. The petition emphasizes the urgent need for more flexible blood donation hours to ensure timely medical treatment and accommodate busy professionals.

It also cites cases where patients were denied urgent treatment due to a lack of available blood. The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on July 9.