SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has ordered the immediate restoration of essential life-saving medicines for haemophilia patients at Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar. The court emphasized that no patient should suffer due to the lack of critical drugs, specifically Factor-VIII and Emicizumab.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the directives were issued by a Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani. The bench was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Hemophilia Society of Kashmir, represented by its president, concerning the acute shortage of these vital medications.
During the proceedings, senior advocate T.H. Khawaja, assisted by advocate Naseer-ul-Akbar for the petitioner, informed the court about the critical scarcity of Factor-VIII and Emicizumab at GMC Srinagar. This shortage was reported to be adversely affecting approximately 300 haemophilia patients who rely on these drugs for their treatment.
The court took serious note of the submissions and directed the Principal of GMC Srinagar to promptly address the deficiency. The bench further stipulated that if a requisition for the medicines had already been placed, the JK Medical Supplies Corporation Limited or any other responsible procurement and supply authority must act without avoidable delay to ensure their delivery.
To ensure accountability and monitor compliance, the Division Bench mandated that the Principal of GMC Srinagar file an affidavit within two weeks. This affidavit is to detail the specific steps taken to restore the availability of the haemophilia drugs. The court has also instructed that the Principal file an affidavit within two weeks detailing the steps taken to address the shortage.
The PIL highlights a recurring issue of irregular supply of essential clotting factors at government health facilities in the region, particularly at the Day Care Centre of SMHS Hospital, Srinagar. The Hemophilia Society of Kashmir contends that such interruptions in the supply chain can lead to uncontrolled bleeding episodes, potentially causing permanent disability and life-threatening complications for haemophilia patients.
The respondents in the case were represented by Maha Majeed, assisting counsel for Senior Additional Advocate General Mohsin Qadri, and Government Advocate Waseem Gul. The case was listed for further hearing on August 10, 2026. By that date, the court expects to receive both the respondents’ response to an additional affidavit filed by the petitioner and the compliance affidavit from the Principal of GMC Srinagar regarding the drug supply.
The court’s intervention underscores the urgency of ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines for patients with chronic conditions, emphasizing the right to health and timely medical intervention. The legal proceedings aim to establish a robust mechanism for the consistent availability of life-saving drugs in public health institutions.
The Chenab Times News Desk