The Supreme Court is scheduled to consider in March the issue of whether all blood banks should mandatorily conduct Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) for the identification of diseases.
The bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing a PIL seeking directions for the implementation of mandatory NAT testing across all blood banks in the country.
Notably, the Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) is a highly sensitive molecular technique that detects the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of viruses like HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV) directly in the blood.
The counsel explained that through NAT blood testing, a vast number of infections can be identified, as compared to the common method of ELISA testing (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). He added that NAT testing presently only being used in Delhi's government Hospitals.
The CJI inquired about the difference in cost-efficiency between the two tests, and whether other states could afford this.
"Delhi can afford, in other states, who are struggling hard to even pay their employees, those who are unable to pay electricity charges , you want to put another burden on them? "
The counsel answered that the costs would be substantially less.
The CJI stressed the need for the petitioner to have conducted an audit of the expenditure in such tests.
" You do your homework and find out in how many state hospitals it is available, is it available Pan India or in a few states? or there are some states where it is not available at all ...we don't know that, you will have to find out."
The bench granted additional time to the petitioner to file an affidavit in regard to the above query.
The matter will now be heard on March 13.
Case Details : SARVESHAM MANGALAM FOUNDATION Vs UNION OF INDIA| W.P.(C) No. 184/2026
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