The Supreme Court has endorsed a set of uniform guidelines for intensive care units (ICUs), aiming to reduce prolonged patient stays. The guidelines propose that stabilised patients requiring no further organ support or physiological monitoring be discharged or moved to hospital wards.
A three-member committee drafted the report, which was vetted by medical experts and endorsed by the court on April 20. The court directed states and Union territories to formulate an action plan identifying five core areas from the document and a methodology for implementation by May 18.
The document highlighted the trauma experienced by patients' relatives, who often lack knowledge about ICU care and rely solely on doctors' advice to prolong the stay, as a key reason for the new proposals.
The guidelines establish common minimum standards for ICUs, including a nurse-to-patient ratio of one to two or one to three, depending on medical acuity, and round-the-clock monitoring by a specialist holding a postgraduate degree recognised by the National Medical Council (NMC).
The court's order stems from a 2024 petition arising from a medical negligence case at the national consumer forum. The Centre informed the court about the Model ICU and critical care unit (CCU) guidelines prepared by the Union health ministry in 2023.
