The Supreme Court has adopted a tough stand in respect of the scarcity of facilities and manpower in the ICUs in the country. The Court has instructed the central government, state governments, and Union territories to achieve compliance with the 2026 Guidelines for the Organization and Delivery of Intensive Care Services within the stipulated period.
The Supreme Court has provided the maximum period of nine months for the specific requirements of the ICU infrastructure and six months for recruitment of critical-care workforce. The Court has ordered that immediate action for recruitment of sufficient healthcare workers necessary for functioning of the ICUs should be initiated and completed within six months.
This order has been given by a bench of Justices Hassanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan during a hearing in respect of a case in regard to ICU and Critical Care Services. This was after the Court considered the proposal of the Committee in respect of time for compliance with the Guidelines for the Organization and Operation of Intensive Care Services.
The Court has broadly accepted the time proposed by the Committee, although the period has been reduced from the proposed 12 months to nine months. In regard to Label One ICU Infrastructure, the time proposed by the Committee for compliance of some of the major requirements has been reduced from 12 months to nine months.
The Court has set a timeframe for compliance with various infrastructure standards for Label One ICUs. The nine-month period will be for ICU location, size, infrastructure, and nursing station provisions.
The procurement process for emergency equipment must be completed within three months. A maximum of three months may be granted for installation of equipment, depending on the delivery status. The procurement process for imaging services is also directed to be completed within three months.
A maximum deadline of three months has been set for non-emergency equipment and laboratory services, while one month has been set for additional services. Provisions related to infection control and safety must be complied with immediately. Instructions have also been given for immediate compliance with documentation and audits.
The court clarified that ICU guidelines are mandatory for a facility to be called an ICU. While it is not mandatory for a hospital to have a Level 2 or Level 3 ICU, hospitals claiming to have Level 2 or Level 3 ICUs must fully comply with all the prescribed standards.
For hospitals of excellence or specialty, the court stated that if they require Level 3 ICU facilities, they must comply with the relevant guidelines issued by the Central Government's Directorate of Health Services in 2026.
The bench directed the Centre, states, and Union Territories to submit a status report by November 5th. The committee will examine the reports and submit its comments to the court. The next hearing will be held on November 16.
Mountainous and remote areas receive limited relief. States requiring additional time in such areas should submit status reports detailing the progress of work and the additional time required. The court warned that strict action could be taken against those who neglect or fail to adhere to the guidelines and deadlines.
.jpg)
