The Supreme Court of India has asked all States and Union Territories to draw up time-bound action plans to ensure minimum standards for Intensive Care Units (ICUs), underlining the need for a consistent and robust critical care system across the country.
A Bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R Mahadevan directed Health Secretaries of States and UTs to hold expert consultations within a week and finalise actionable plans within three weeks.
The Court stressed that the process must begin immediately, focusing on identifying essential ICU requirements, particularly manpower and equipment.
Authorities have also been instructed to establish a clear roadmap for implementation along with mechanisms to monitor compliance. The plans prepared by States and UTs will be submitted to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for consolidation and wider dissemination.
These directions stem from a long-pending case dating back to 2016, which raised concerns over medical negligence and the lack of uniform ICU standards. Although the original appeal was disposed of in 2024, the Court has continued to examine the broader issue of standardising critical care services nationwide.
Earlier, the Court had set up an expert committee comprising medical professionals and legal experts to frame guidelines on the “Organisation and Delivery of Intensive Care Services.” A consensus document has since been prepared and placed on record as the baseline framework for ICU standards.
The Court further directed the Union Health Ministry to circulate these guidelines as an advisory and upload them online. It also called for a central-level meeting involving State officials and experts to finalise a common framework, which will be presented before the Court at the next hearing.
Addressing concerns over the shortage of trained personnel, the Court issued notice to the Indian Nursing Council, asking it to suggest measures to strengthen ICU training, curriculum, and capacity-building for healthcare workers.
The matter will next be taken up on May 18, when the Court will review progress on the implementation of the proposed framework.
