SC Directs States, UTs to Draft ICU Action Plan Within Weeks

New Delhi, Apr 25: The Supreme Court of India has directed all states and Union Territories to prepare a “realistic and practical” action plan to implement minimum standard guidelines for intensive care units (ICUs), setting a three-week deadline for the exercise.

A bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan ordered that the guidelines on “Organisation and Delivery of Intensive Care Services,” already finalised with broad consensus, be circulated to all states and UTs for immediate action.

The court instructed additional chief secretaries and health department heads to convene expert meetings within a week to prepare implementation plans, emphasising that these must be practical and grounded. It also asked authorities to identify and prioritise five essential requirements related to manpower and equipment in the first phase.

Hearing a matter related to healthcare standards in ICUs, the bench said a clear methodology must be developed for execution, along with a robust system for compliance and monitoring.

The court further directed that reports from states and UTs be submitted to the Secretary, Department of Health under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, who will compile and circulate a common draft before a final blueprint is presented to the court.

The bench ordered the ministry to formally issue the guidelines as an advisory and upload them on its official website. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on May 18.

During proceedings, the court also endorsed the need for enhanced training of nursing staff to handle ICU situations, noting their continuous presence with patients. It subsequently impleaded the Indian Nursing Council and the Para Medical Council of India as parties, directing them to submit plans to strengthen curriculum and training for critical care management. (Agencies)