The Supreme Court has instructed all States and Union Territories to prepare a “realistic and practical” action plan to implement minimum standards for Intensive Care Units (ICUs).
The Court noted that a consensus-based document titled “Guidelines for Organisation and Delivery of Intensive Care Services” has already been prepared, outlining essential and implementable standards for ICU care. A bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R Mahadevan directed that these guidelines be circulated to all States and UTs.
As an immediate step, the Court asked senior health officials Additional Chief Secretaries or Secretaries of Health and Medical Education to convene expert meetings and draft an implementation plan. This plan must prioritise five key requirements, focusing on both manpower and essential equipment.
The bench also emphasised the need to develop a clear implementation strategy, along with mechanisms for monitoring and ensuring compliance. The first round of meetings must take place within a week, with the entire exercise to be completed within three weeks.
States and UTs have been asked to submit their reports to the Union Health Ministry, which will consolidate inputs and prepare a final, common blueprint to be presented before the Court at the next hearing.
The Court further directed the Ministry of Health to formally issue these guidelines as an advisory and publish them on its official website.
During the hearing, the need to strengthen ICU training for nursing staff was highlighted. Supporting this, the Court included the Indian Nursing Council and the Para Medical Council of India as parties in the case, asking them to propose measures to upgrade training and curriculum so healthcare professionals are better equipped to manage critical care situations.