The Supreme Court issued a series of directions aimed at standardising critical care infrastructure across the country, directing all States to undertake a gap analysis of ICU facilities within two months and work towards implementing minimum standards for intensive care units in healthcare institutions.
The Bench approved the recommendations placed before it regarding categorisation and minimum infrastructure requirements for Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 ICUs, observing that such standards were essential both for patient safety and systemic preparedness in medical emergencies.
Emphasising that India’s growing population has outpaced healthcare infrastructure, the Court observed that ICU availability becomes the difference between life and death in critical cases and cannot be left to unregulated practices where institutions market ICU care without adequate facilities.
Accordingly, the Court directed States to formulate implementation modalities to ensure institutions have access at least to minimum Level 1 ICU facilities, particularly in crisis scenarios where timely intervention is critical.
The Court also asked States to explore creation of a standard model of advanced life-support ambulances, including ventilator-equipped emergency transport systems, with a suggestion that at least five such ambulances be made available through a combination of State support and CSR participation.
Recognising the need for real-time emergency coordination, the Court directed the Union Government to place details regarding an India-wide GPS-based hospital mapping system, enabling identification of nearby hospitals along with details of facilities available, so that emergency patients can be directed to appropriate centres without delay.
The Bench further said the system should allow inter-hospital coordination, ensuring patient transfers are arranged institutionally rather than leaving families to navigate critical logistics.
Endorsing the committee’s recommendation on tele-ICU and teleconsultation infrastructure, the Court described remote specialist support as a practical and immediate way to expand critical care access, especially in areas lacking specialised physical infrastructure.
The Court also flagged serious concerns regarding nursing education infrastructure, observing that nursing colleges ideally ought to be attached to hospitals with ICU facilities, and if not, should be located within a one-kilometre radius of such hospitals. The Indian Nursing Council was directed to file details regarding nursing institutions and their hospital affiliations.
Additionally, the Court endorsed the idea of standardised display/signage for hospitals indicating ICU capabilities, to prevent misleading representations about critical care facilities.
States have been directed to file affidavits, personally affirmed by departmental heads, detailing compliance and action plans.
The matter is now listed in August for further monitoring of implementation.
Appearances:
Amicus Curiae: Karan Bharihoke
For Union of India: ASG Aishwarya Bhati alongwith Advocates Shivika Mehra; Anirudh Singh