NEW DELHI, Apr 27: The Supreme Court of India has directed all states and Union Territories to develop actionable and realistic plans to implement minimum standards for intensive care units (ICUs). The directive comes amid growing concerns over disparities in healthcare infrastructure across regions.
A bench led by senior judges emphasized that the proposed guidelines must not remain theoretical but should be practical, scalable, and suited to local conditions. The court noted that consensus based ICU norms have already been formulated and now require effective execution.
Health experts welcomed the move, stating that India’s healthcare system still faces uneven distribution of critical care facilities, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. The court’s intervention is expected to accelerate reforms and ensure preparedness for future health emergencies.