The Supreme Court of India has directed all States and Union Territories to prepare time-bound action plans to enforce minimum standards for Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in hospitals, in the case of Asit Baran Mondal & Anr. vs Dr Rita Sinha & Ors.
In its April 20 order, a Bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan asked Health Secretaries to hold expert meetings within one week and finalise practical plans within three weeks. The Court stressed identifying five essential requirements, focusing on critical manpower and equipment, along with clear implementation and monitoring mechanisms.
The Bench directed that the process begin immediately, with Health Secretaries personally attending discussions. State-level plans will be submitted to the Union Health Ministry for circulation across all States and UTs.
The case, which began in 2016 over medical negligence and lack of uniform ICU standards, was closed in 2024, but the Court continues to monitor the broader issue of standardising critical care nationwide.
A committee earlier constituted by the Court includes Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati and experts such as Dr Nitish Naik. Consultations were expanded to include leading doctors like Naresh Trehan, Devi Prasad Shetty and Shiv Kumar Sarin.
The Court noted that a consensus document, Guidelines for Organization and Delivery of Intensive Care Services, has been finalised as a baseline framework and directed the Union Health Ministry to issue it as an advisory.
It also flagged the need to strengthen ICU training and added the Indian Nursing Council as a party, asking it to propose improvements in curriculum and training. The matter will next be heard on May 18.