The Supreme Court of India on 20 April 2026 endorsed a consensus document titled Guidelines for Organisation and Delivery of Intensive Care Services for minimum standards in Intensive Care Units across India. The document sets a common benchmark for ICU infrastructure, staffing, equipment, and patient care in hospitals.
Expert Committee And Bench
A three-member expert committee drafted the guidelines. The committee comprised AIIMS doctor Nitish Naik, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, and advocate Karan Bharioke. The Supreme Court bench consisted of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan.
ICU Infrastructure Requirements
The guidelines require a dedicated ICU space with access to emergency services, operation theatres, and laboratories. They also require uninterrupted power backup, sanitation facilities, and an appropriate internal layout. Each ICU bed must have oxygen supply, suction facilities, and electrical points.
- Essential ICU equipment listed in the norms includes multiparameter monitors, ventilators, defibrillators, and crash carts.
- The standards apply to ICU infrastructure in hospitals across India.
Staffing And Patient Ratios
The norms require round-the-clock staffing by trained doctors. The nurse-to-patient ratio is set at 1:2 to 1:3 for standard ICU patients. The ratio can go up to 1:1 for critically ill or ventilated patients.
Implementation By States And Union Territories
The Supreme Court directed all States and Union Territories to prepare and submit action plans by 18 May 2026 for implementation of the ICU standards. The plans must identify five priority issues related to ICU infrastructure, manpower, and equipment or logistics.
Discharge And Transfer Norms
The guidelines state that clinically stabilised patients who no longer require organ support or close physiological monitoring should be discharged or shifted to hospital wards. This provision is part of the ICU utilisation framework in the document.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026