J&K High Court Issues Summons To JKMSCL Managing Director Over Failure To Supply Haemophilia Drug To Govt Medical Colleges
The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has summoned the Managing Director of the Jammu & Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL) to personally explain the shortage of life-saving anti-haemophilia drugs, Factor-VIII and Emicizumab, at Government Medical Colleges in Srinagar and Jammu.
The Court observed that despite repeated reminders from the medical institutions, respondent No. 3 had failed to respond, resulting in a dire shortage of these essential medicines.
The Court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by the Hemophilia Society of Kashmir concerning the acute shortage of life-saving medicines for haemophilia patients. When the matter came up for hearing the court took note of an affidavit filed in compliance with the Court's earlier order dated July 13, 2026.
A Bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani, while expressing displeasure over the slackness on the part of respondent No. 3, directed the personal presence of the Managing Director, JKMSCL, to explain the position. The Court further directed him to file an advance affidavit showing how he had responded to the need projected by GMC Jammu and GMC Srinagar in respect of Factor-VIII and Emicizumab.
The Court observed,
"From the affidavit filed by the Principal, Government Medical College, Srinagar, it is clear that the Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar as also the Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu are facing shortage rather non-availability of the aforementioned medicines and are in dire need thereof."
The Court further observed,
"It seems that it is because of the slackness on the part of respondent No. 3, the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited that the matter has not been addressed and the patients are suffering."
Background
The Hemophilia Society of Kashmir filed a PIL raising the issue of continuous shortage and irregular supply of essential clotting factors at government health facilities, particularly the Day Care Centre at SMHS Hospital, Srinagar. The petition contended that interruptions in the supply of these medicines expose haemophilia patients to uncontrolled bleeding, permanent disability and life-threatening complications.
On July 13, 2026, the petitioner filed an additional affidavit in compliance with an earlier order dated April 8, 2026. During the hearing, Senior Advocate T.H. Khawaja, appearing for the petitioner, informed the Court that Government Medical College, Srinagar, was facing an acute shortage of Factor-VIII and Emicizumab, resulting in nearly 300 patients being adversely affected.
Taking note of the submission, the Bench directed the Principal, GMC Srinagar, to ensure that the deficiency is addressed immediately so that no patient suffers for want of these medicines. The Court further ordered that if the Principal had already placed a requisition for the medicines, the JKMSCL or any other authority responsible for procurement and supply must respond forthwith and ensure that the medicines are supplied without any avoidable delay.
The Bench had then directed the Principal of GMC Srinagar to file an affidavit within two weeks detailing the steps taken to restore the availability of the medicines.
The High Court, while expressing serious concern over the non-availability of life-saving haemophilia drugs, directed the personal presence of the Managing Director, JKMSCL, on the next date of hearing.
The Court listed the matter for further hearing on September 7, 2026.
Case Title: Hemophilia Society of Kashmir Th Its President v. Union Territory of J and K (Health and Medical Education) and Ors.
Appearances
Petitioner: Mr. Iman Abdul Muizz, Advocate
Respondents: Mr. Mohsin-ul-showkat Qadiri, Sr. AAG with Ms. Maha Majeed, AC and Mr. Faheem Nisar Shah, GA