India is in the early stages of developing a structured framework for critical care to address key gaps in healthcare infrastructure and human resources, senior officials said. The initiative, currently under discussion, aims to define resource allocation for critical care and establish clear criteria for prioritizing patients during emergencies.
The proposed framework is expected to set nationwide standards for the structure, staffing, and organization of critical care units (CCUs) across both public and private hospitals. A committee headed by NITI Aayog member Dr. V.K. Paul has been formed to lead the initiative and is tasked with creating a roadmap that aligns with global benchmarks while catering to India’s unique healthcare landscape. The effort also supports India’s goal of expanding medical value travel (MVT) and strengthening pandemic preparedness.
“India needs comprehensive guidelines to bridge the glaring gaps in critical care—primarily infrastructure and skilled manpower. The framework will help ensure that these services are accessed by patients who genuinely need them,” a senior official told, requesting anonymity. He added that consultations with healthcare stakeholders will begin soon as part of the framework’s development process.
Experts agree that India’s critical care system suffers from a significant mismatch between availability and access. Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, former president of the Indian Medical Association (Kochi), pointed out the shortage of trained critical care professionals and outdated infrastructure. “India is facing a brain drain of critical care talent—both doctors and support staff. There’s an urgent need to upgrade ICUs with specialized equipment and enforce protocols that ensure quality care,” he said.
The framework, experts suggest, should include robust critical care protocols, adequate infrastructure, and a highly trained workforce. While India already has some guidelines for ICU admissions, they are often overlooked. Admissions are sometimes influenced by social factors, leaving genuinely critical patients without the care they need.
An industry expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, highlighted that the existing standards are frequently not implemented on the ground due to infrastructure limitations and a severe shortage of ICU beds across the country.
The development of a critical care framework also aligns with India’s growing prominence as a hub for medical tourism. According to industry body FICCI, the medical value travel market in India is expected to grow from $6 billion in 2022 to $13 billion by 2026. Countries like Bangladesh, Iraq, Maldives, Afghanistan, Oman, Yemen, Sudan, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania account for nearly 88% of international patients coming to India for treatment.
The structured framework for critical care could play a pivotal role in supporting this growth while ensuring that India’s healthcare system remains resilient and responsive in the face of future health crises.
