SC requests that states and UTs create an action plan to put intensive care services standards into practice.

In order to implement the rules required as a minimum standard for intensive care units, the Supreme Court has requested that all states and Union Territories create a “realistic and practical” action plan. The Supreme Court was notified that “Guidelines for Organization and Delivery of Intensive Care Services” have been prepared. These guidelines are widely accepted, feasible, and essential as a minimum standard for an intensive care unit.

All states and UTs should receive copies of the guidelines, according to a bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan.

“Moving further, as an immediate measure, let all the additional chief secretaries/secretaries … heading the department of health and medical education in the states and the UTs, convene a meeting of all experts involved in this exercise to prepare an action plan for implementation of the guidelines. Such a plan shall be realistic and practical,” the bench said in its April 20 order.

A case concerning healthcare services, particularly protocols for the care of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), was being heard by the highest court. The bench stated that the first priority will be to identify and prioritize five fundamental issues.

“The challenge … lies in determining what ought to be treated as absolutely essential and mandatory; accordingly, an initial list of five basic requirements, in terms of priority, relating to both manpower and equipment/logistics, shall be prepared,” it said.

It said a methodology should also be formulated for implementation on the ground, and more importantly, a mechanism to ensure compliance and monitoring of the implementation.

“We expect the exercise to commence immediately and the first meeting to be held within one week from today. We direct that the meeting shall be attended personally by the concerned additional chief secretary/secretary … heading the department of health and medical education in the states and the UTs,” the bench said.

It stated that the Secretary of the Department of Health, Government of India, should receive the report prepared in accordance with the discussions from the corresponding states and UTs. The Secretary would then distribute it to all states and UTs.

The bench stated that after that, all parties involved should get together to prepare and distribute a final, mutually approved draft.

“A final report/blueprint/recommendation shall be prepared, which shall be placed before this court on the next date,” it said, adding that the entire exercise should be completed within three weeks.

“Let the Ministry of Health, Government of India, formally issue the guidelines placed before us today, to the states and UTs concerned by way of an advisory. A copy of it shall also be uploaded on the website of the Ministry of Health, Government of India,” the bench said, while posting the matter for further hearing on May 18.

During the hearing, it was suggested that for future requirements, the nursing staff should be trained to handle such situations since they remain with the patient round the clock, unlike doctors who may visit periodically.

“We fully endorse the suggestion, which is not only pragmatic but also imperative. Accordingly, the Indian Nursing Council and the Para Medical Council of India are impleaded as party respondents,” the bench said.