Centre asked to issue standardised ICU guidelines; focus on manpower, equipment, and real-time access to critical care facilities
In a significant move to strengthen critical healthcare infrastructure, the Supreme Court of India has directed all States and Union Territories to prepare a “realistic and practical” action plan to upgrade Intensive Care Unit (ICU) facilities. The Court has also asked the Centre to circulate standardised ICU guidelines as an advisory to ensure uniform minimum standards across the country.
Standard ICU Guidelines Ready for Nationwide Implementation
During the hearing on healthcare services and ICU treatment protocols, the Court was informed that a consensus-based document titled “Guidelines for Organisation and Delivery of Intensive Care Services” has been prepared. The guidelines are considered practical, implementable, and essential as baseline standards for ICU care nationwide.
The Bench, comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan, acknowledged the document and directed that copies be shared with all States and UTs for immediate action.
Experts Present Practical Suggestions for ICU Strengthening
Several leading medical experts and doctors assisted the Court during the proceedings. Among those present were Prof. (Dr.) M. Srinivas from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Prof. (Dr.) Nitish Naik, Prof. (Dr.) Vimi Rewari, and Dr. Harsh Mahajan of Mahajan Imaging.
Other prominent experts joined virtually, including Naresh Trehan, Shiv Sarin, Pankaj Chaturvedi, Devi Prasad Shetty, and several specialists from leading hospitals and institutions.
The Court observed that the suggestions provided by these experts were “highly practical” and should be considered while finalising the ICU guidelines.
Key Focus Areas: Training, SOPs, and GPS-Based Hospital Locator
The Bench highlighted several critical recommendations, including:
- Prescribing clear timelines for ICU upgrades
- Ensuring proper training for personnel handling advanced medical equipment
- Developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the form of checklists
- Creating a GPS-based hospital locator to help citizens quickly identify nearby facilities and available services during emergencies
States Asked to Identify Top 5 Priority Requirements
The Court directed States and UTs to first identify five key priority areas, focusing on both manpower and equipment/logistics. It emphasised the need to define what should be treated as “essential and mandatory” for ICU functionality.
Authorities have also been instructed to develop a clear implementation methodology along with mechanisms for compliance and monitoring.
Immediate Meetings and Centralised Coordination Mandated
All Additional Chief Secretaries and Health Department heads across States and UTs have been asked to convene expert meetings within one week to initiate the process. The reports generated from these discussions will be submitted to the Union Health Ministry for consolidation and circulation.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will then organise a joint meeting to prepare a final common draft and blueprint, which will be presented before the Court.
Nursing Training and Institutional Role Underlined
Recognising the critical role of nursing staff in ICU care, the Court stressed the need for enhanced training, noting that nurses remain with patients round the clock. It has accordingly impleaded the Indian Nursing Council and the Para Medical Council of India as party respondents.
These bodies have been asked to submit plans on upgrading curriculum and training programmes to better prepare healthcare professionals for ICU management.
Timeline and Next Hearing
The Court has set a strict timeline of three weeks to complete the entire exercise. The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on May 18, 2026, where a final report and recommendations will be reviewed.
The move is expected to significantly improve India’s critical care capacity and ensure timely, efficient treatment for patients requiring intensive medical attention.
