The Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, has issued a significant directive in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Rangro Herie and Kikrükhuono Pfukha, concerning the availability and infrastructure of blood banks in Nagaland.
The PIL was heard by the Bench of Justices Soumitra Saikia and Kaushik Goswami on November 13, 2024.
The petitioners sought improvements to hospital infrastructure in four districts – Peren, Kiphire, Longleng, and Noklak – specifically for storing blood.
In response, the court ordered the state government to file a detailed affidavit regarding the existence and availability of blood banks and blood storage units across all 17 districts of Nagaland.
The court’s decision was prompted by an affidavit submitted by the Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), detailing steps taken to set up blood bank equipment in Tuensang, Kiphire, Mon, and Phek districts.
The affidavit revealed that work orders had been issued, machinery supplied, and installation reports confirmed that the equipment was functioning as required.
Nagaland’s blood banking infrastructure has faced challenges, with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India reporting that some districts lack blood banks.
The state’s mean assessment score for blood banks was 55.17, with variations across different districts.
The court’s directive aims to address these disparities and ensure equitable access to healthcare facilities.
The respondents have been granted four weeks to file the affidavit, after which the court will review the materials and pass further orders as necessary.
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