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Shimla, June 2025 — The Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered the state government to establish dedicated Departments of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion in all government medical colleges within six months, citing the absence of such departments as a violation of National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines.
The court, led by Justice Sandeep Sharma, emphasized that the lack of these departments adversely affects medical students’ academic and practical training, as well as overall healthcare standards. The judgment highlighted that most medical colleges in the state currently operate blood banks under the Department of Pathology, rather than maintaining a separate department as required by NMC norms established in 2021.
The order came in response to a petition filed by Dr. Richa Gupta, who sought the appointment of an Assistant Professor in the Blood Transfusion Department at Dr. Y.S.P. Government Medical College, Nahan. During proceedings, it was revealed that the Blood Bank at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College, Mandi, and other institutions, are still functioning under Pathology, contrary to NMC directives.
The court noted that while it could not mandate the promotion of the petitioner due to previous legal constraints, it had the authority to direct the government to comply with NMC guidelines and ensure the creation of these essential departments. The state government has been instructed to expedite the process and submit a compliance report two weeks after the six-month deadline.
“It cannot be disputed that the Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion is very much essential in a Medical College,” the court observed. “Ultimately, students studying in afore Colleges are not made to suffer on account of non-compliance of guidelines issued by NMC,” the judge stated.
The ruling aims to ensure that medical education in Himachal Pradesh meets national standards and that students receive the necessary training in immunohematology and blood transfusion services.
Disclaimer:
This news article is based on information available from the cited sources as of June 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to refer to official documents and consult relevant authorities for the most accurate and updated information. Any inaccuracies or omissions are unintentional.
