Supreme Court Redirects Mandatory Blood Testing Plea to Health Experts

The Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea for mandatory Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAT) in all blood banks, citing lack of expertise. The court urged a petitioner to consult health department officials. Concerns were raised about transfusion-transmitted infections and the financial implications of implementing NAT testing nationwide.

The Supreme Court of India, on Friday, declined to entertain a plea demanding mandatory Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAT) in all blood banks across the nation. The plea aimed to ensure the supply of infection-free blood to recipients. Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi emphasized the court's lack of expertise in medical science and referred the matter to health department experts.

During the hearing, the bench suggested that the petitioner, Sarvesham Mangalam Foundation, submit a comprehensive representation to health department officials in states and union territories. It was highlighted that the implementation of such testing involves significant financial considerations, with states possessing varying financial capacities.

The petitioner's PIL also attempted to declare 'Right to Safe Blood' as an integral part of the constitutional Right to Life. The bench had previously requested detailed costs and availability of NAT testing in government hospitals, as the plea spotlighted severe cases in which blood transfusions resulted in HIV and hepatitis infections.

(With inputs from agencies.)