NationalTuesday, 28 April 2026·The Hindu
Supreme Court-backed ICU standards set 3-level hospital classification and nurse ratios in April 2026
On 28 April 2026, the Supreme Court endorsed minimum ICU guidelines and asked States and UTs to submit compliance plans by 18 May 2026.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 28 April 2026, the Supreme Court of India endorsed mandatory minimum operational guidelines for Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and directed all States and Union Territories to submit compliance action plans by 18 May 2026.
Key specifics
- The report is titled “Guidelines for the Organisation and Delivery of Intensive Care Services”.
- Hospitals must classify ICUs into 3 levels: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.
- Standard admissions require a nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:2 to 1:3.
- Critically ill or actively ventilated patients require a 1:1 nurse-to-patient ratio.
- The guidelines require 24/7 power backup, oxygen supply, defibrillators, crash carts and e-ICU or tele-ICU integration.
Exam lens
Question type: Polity and governance with health regulation, Supreme Court, 28 April 2026, 18 May 2026 deadline, 3 ICU levels, 1:1 and 1:2 to 1:3 ratios. TNPSC may ask the court-mandated staffing ratio and the report title.