Odisha Hosts State-Level Conference to Draft ICU Guidelines Aligned with Supreme Court Mandates
In a decisive move to elevate critical care standards across the state, Odisha’s Health and Family Welfare Department convened a state-level conference at the Indian Medical Association auditorium to draft comprehensive guidelines for Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and Critical Care Units.
The initiative stems from directives issued by the Supreme Court under Civil Appeal 8402 (2016) and Miscellaneous Application 30408 (2024), mandating states to standardise emergency medical infrastructure.
The conference brought together stakeholders from teaching and non-teaching hospitals, corporate healthcare institutions, district health officials, and experts in trauma and emergency services.
Health Secretary cum Additional Chief Secretary Aswathi S. emphasised the importance of collaborative input, skill enhancement, and patient-centric care. She urged participants to ensure the guidelines reflect both operational feasibility and the diverse needs of Odisha’s healthcare ecosystem.
Key agenda items included:
- Admission and discharge protocols
- ICU infrastructure and grading based on hospital capacity
- Infection control standards
- Communication norms with patients’ families
The draft guideline, once finalised, will be submitted to the Supreme Court as Odisha’s official contribution to national critical care reforms.
Senior officials like Bijay Mohapatra (Additional Secretary) and Santosh Mishra (Director of Medical Education and Training) also addressed the gathering, reinforcing the state’s commitment to healthcare excellence.
This proactive step is expected to streamline ICU operations, improve patient outcomes, and set a benchmark for other states to follow.
