Summary
- The Supreme Court has mandated the Centre, States, and Union Territories to enforce the 2026 Guidelines for Organization and Delivery of Intensive Care Services, setting strict timelines for compliance.
- A Bench led by Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah directed a nine-month deadline for ICU infrastructure and six months for recruiting critical-care personnel.
- This ruling follows ongoing monitoring since 2016 to establish uniform standards for ICUs, resulting in a three-tier ICU framework approved on May 20, 2026.
- Immediate compliance is required for infection-control measures, while authorities must expedite the recruitment of ICU specialists and healthcare staff to enhance critical care services across India.
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