Supreme Court orders nationwide ICU minimum standards with nine-month deadline

The Supreme Court mandated uniform minimum standards for establishing and operating intensive care units nationwide, applying to both public and private facilities. The guidelines, prepared by a committee of eminent physicians and submitted by the Union health ministry, define infrastructure, equipment and personnel requirements for Level-1 ICUs, with higher levels for specialized services. Hospitals must install emergency devices such as ventilators and defibrillators within three months, recruit qualified ICU specialists, nurses and allied staff within six months, and achieve full compliance within nine months, reporting progress by November 5.

A higher nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:2-1:3, or 1:1 for ventilated patients, is mandated, and a specialist with an NMC-recognized postgraduate degree should preferably lead the unit. While some states warned of logistical challenges in remote areas, the court indicated extensions would be considered only with realistic timelines. The court emphasized strict adherence, noting that laxity could lead to punitive action.