Andhra Pradesh sets ICU upgrade deadlines in compliance with Supreme Court directions on critical care infrastructure

The Supreme Court in September 2026 had directed the Centre, States and Union Territories to implement the 2026 Guidelines for Organisation and Delivery of Intensive Care Services, formulated by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). 

Pursuant to these directions, Andhra Pradesh's Director of Medical Education has reportedly directed all government general hospitals to upgrade their ICUs. Hospitals must complete structural modifications, including ICU location, size and nursing stations within nine months. Bedside facilities, non-emergency equipment and laboratory services must be provided within three months. Emergency equipment and imaging procurement orders must be issued within three months, with up to another three months for delivery and installation. Additional services must be introduced within one month. Level-I ICU standards are mandatory across these hospitals.