The bench, comprising Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice Nitin Jamdar, has asked the government and petitioners to advance their arguments on October 3.
The PIL said that haemophilia is a rare, lifelong bleeding disorder which predominantly shows up in men, afflicting 0.01 per cent of the population.
Its treatment is very costly ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 7 lakh, depending on the type of haemophilia. As it involves bleeding in joints and muscles, a person suffering from the disease becomes disabled or dies as a result thereof.
The PIL, filed by the Haemophilia Society Mumbai Chapter and four persons suffering from the disease, prayed for screening of newborns to ensure early diagnosis of those afflicted with haemophilia.
The PIL also prayed that pending the hearing and disposal of the matter, the government be directed to bring all types of medicines for treatment of this disease under the Drug Control Order.
The PIL prayed that denial of medical treatment including affordable medication to hemophiliacs is a violation of their right to life and right to equality as guaranteed by the constitution. (MORE)