The Supreme Court has directed the Centre, States and Union Territories to implement the 2026 Guidelines for Organization and Delivery of Intensive Care Services, prescribing a maximum period of nine months for specified ICU infrastructure requirements and six months for recruitment of critical-care personnel.
A Bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R. Mahadevan issued the directions while continuing its monitoring of the absence of uniform standards for intensive care units (ICUs) and critical-care services.
The proceedings date back to 2016, when the Court began examining the need for uniform standards on ICU infrastructure, staffing and patient care. The Court continued monitoring the issue even after the original appeal was disposed of in 2024.
Following consultations with the Union Government, States, medical experts and other stakeholders, the Court approved a three-tier ICU framework on May 20, 2026, prescribing minimum standards for Level I, Level II and Level III ICUs.
The framework covers infrastructure, equipment, manpower, infection control, emergency services and patient care, with the three levels based on the complexity of critical care and available infrastructure and personnel.
In its September 21 order, the Court prescribed timelines for implementation. For specified Level I ICU infrastructure requirements for which the Committee had proposed up to 12 months, the Court reduced the compliance period to nine months.
The Court ordered that any compliance deadline previously set for up to 12 months is now reduced to 9 months.
Other requirements have been assigned shorter timelines. Bedside utilities, non-emergency equipment and laboratory services are to be provided within three months, while infection-control and safety requirements are to be complied with immediately.
The Court has also directed authorities to commence recruitment of ICU specialists, trained MBBS doctors, nurses and allied healthcare personnel forthwith and complete the process within six months.
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