In a significant development, the Union Health Ministry has released comprehensive guidelines for intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, curated by a team of 24 eminent medical experts. The guidelines delineate crucial criteria to determine who should and should not be admitted to the ICU.
Individuals with organ failure or those requiring an organ, anticipating a worsening medical condition.
People experiencing breathing difficulties requiring assistance.
Patients with heart or respiratory issues, including those undergoing major surgeries.
Hospitals cannot admit patients against their or their relatives' refusal.
Those opposing intensive care treatment are barred from ICU admission.
Ineffectiveness of ongoing treatment renders ICU admission unnecessary, even if survival is unlikely.
During unavoidable situations like pandemics or natural calamities, admission priority depends on available resources.
Discharge from the ICU is possible with family consent.
These guidelines aim to ensure judicious ICU utilization, optimizing resources and prioritizing patients based on medical necessity.