States have been asked to devise clear implementation strategies and monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance on the ground. (Image generated using AI)Supreme Court news: In a push to standardise critical care infrastructure across the country, the Supreme Court has directed all states and Union territories (UTs) to prepare time-bound action plans for implementing minimum standards for Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in hospitals.A bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan was hearing a batch of proceedings arising out of its earlier judgment dated July 5, 2024, which has since evolved into a court-monitored exercise to frame and implement uniform, minimum standards for ICUs across the country, based on expert inputs and consensus guidelines on critical care infrastructure. Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan issued the directions on April 20.The court asked the health secretaries of states and UTs to convene expert meetings within a week to draw up practical, implementable plans, stressing the need for coordinated and immediate action.Also Read | ‘Not from WhatsApp university’: Supreme Court’s top 5 remarks on Day 8 of Sabarimala hearing“As an immediate measure, let all the Additional Chief Secretaries/Secretaries, as the case may be, heading the Department of Health and Medical Education in the States and the UTs, convene a meeting of all experts involved in this exercise for the purpose of preparing an action plan for implementation of the guidelines. Such a plan shall be realistic and practical,” the Supreme Court said on April 20.Evolving proceedings on healthcare standardsThe directions came in proceedings arising out of the Supreme Court’s earlier judgment dated July 5, 2024, with the matter now expanding into a broader exercise to frame and implement uniform minimum standards for ICU facilities across the country.Underscoring urgency, the top court directed that the entire exercise, from consultations to preparation of a concrete implementation roadmap, must be completed within a strict three-week timeline.States to prioritise key ICU requirementsAs part of the implementation process, States and UTs have been directed to identify five priority issues relating to ICU infrastructure, particularly in terms of manpower and equipment/logistics.The Supreme Court observed that the central challenge lies in determining what constitutes “absolutely essential and mandatory” requirements and emphasised that initial efforts must focus on these critical areas.States have also been asked to devise clear implementation strategies and monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance on the ground.The court said it expects the exercise to commence immediately and the first meeting to be held within one week.Also Read | Homemaker’s job multifarious: Punjab and Haryana High Court hikes accident payout to Rs 16.9 lakh over woman’s deathNational-level roadmap to followThe Supreme Court laid down a structured process under which state-level reports will be submitted to the Union Health Ministry, followed by a national-level meeting involving all stakeholders to prepare a common, agreed framework.A meeting of all the additional chief secretaries/secretaries heading the Department of Health and Medical Education in the states and UTs shall be convened under the secretary, Department of Health, Government of India.The team constituted by the court shall prepare and circulate to all the states a final common agreed draft by the health secretary.The Supreme Court directed that such a meeting shall be attended personally by the Secretary, Union Ministry of Health and the additional chief secretaries/secretaries, as the case may be, heading the department in the states and UTs.The ASG, Amicus Curiae and the members of the team constituted by the court are also requested to participate in the meeting.A final report/recommendation shall be prepared and placed before this court.Guidelines finalised, to be issued as advisoryThe bench noted that a consensus-based foundational document titled “Guidelines for Organization and Delivery of Intensive Care Services” has already been prepared and placed on record.Story continues below this adDescribing the guidelines as practical and implementable, the Supreme Court directed that they be shared with all states and UTs. It also asked the Union Ministry of Health to formally issue them as an advisory and upload them on its official website.Expert consultation shapes frameworkDuring the hearing, several eminent medical professionals and institutional heads, including representatives from leading healthcare institutions such as AIIMS, Medanta and Tata Memorial Centre, assisted the Supreme Court and offered practical suggestions.Also Read | Snakebite death or fraud? Chhattisgarh High Court grants pre-arrest bail to woman in Rs 4 lakh payout caseThe apex court recorded that these inputs were “highly practical” and should be incorporated into the final framework. Suggestions included prescribing timelines, ensuring proper training for personnel handling specialised equipment, developing standard operating procedures through checklists, and creating a GPS-based hospital locator to help patients identify nearby facilities in emergencies.Nursing training flagged as critical gapHighlighting the importance of skilled personnel, the Supreme court stressed the need to strengthen training of nursing staff, noting their continuous role in patient care in ICUs.Story continues below this adThe Indian Nursing Council and the Para Medical Council of India have been impleaded as parties and directed to propose measures for enhancing curriculum and training to meet ICU requirements.Next hearing on May 18The Supreme Court directed that the entire exercise be completed within three weeks and listed the matter for further hearing on May 18, 2026, when a comprehensive report is expected to be submitted.The order marks a significant step toward building a uniform and robust critical care system across India through coordinated, expert-driven reforms.Vineet Upadhyay is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, where he leads specialized coverage of the Indian judicial system. Expertise Specialized Legal Authority: Vineet has spent the better part of his career analyzing the intricacies of the law. His expertise lies in "demystifying" judgments from the Supreme Court of India, various High Courts, and District Courts. His reporting covers a vast spectrum of legal issues, including: Constitutional & Civil Rights: Reporting on landmark rulings regarding privacy, equality, and state accountability. Criminal Justice & Enforcement: Detailed coverage of high-profile cases involving the Enforcement Directorate (ED), NIA, and POCSO matters. Consumer Rights & Environmental Law: Authoritative pieces on medical negligence compensation, environmental protection (such as the "living person" status of rivers), and labor rights. Over a Decade of Professional Experience: Prior to joining The Indian Express, he served as a Principal Correspondent/Legal Reporter for The Times of India and held significant roles at The New Indian Express. His tenure has seen him report from critical legal hubs, including Delhi and Uttarakhand. ... Read More © IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd