Nationwide SOP needed for uniform trauma care facilities across country: Supreme Court

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has said that a common Standard Operating Procedure was required to ensure that trauma care facilities are accessible to citizens across India.

A bench of Justices of J K Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi favoured for preparing an SOP, as suggested by a non-profit organisation, Save Life Foundation (SLF) which had sought uniform trauma care facilities across the country.

"After hearing counsel for the parties and considering the prayers as made in the present writ petition in relation to the right of citizen for trauma care, which may affect the personal liberty and for getting the equal opportunity in the situation as contemplated in the petition, it transpires that formulation of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in consultation with the state governments may be appropriate," the bench said.

The petitioner argued that the absence of standardised emergency protocols violated citizens’ fundamental rights.

The bench felt the need of a mechanism for formulating such an SOP that must take place in consultation with all state governments and union territories so that citizens are not left without recourse in medical emergencies.

The court sought Attorney General R Venkataramani's help and assistance in the matter. It fixed the matter for hearing after six weeks.

In its order, the bench said, "We deem it appropriate to request Attorney General for India to provide assistance of his good office in scrutinizing the stands of different State Governments and Union Territories and after an opportunity to the petitioners, he may submit a report with respect to the recourse which can possibly be taken in the facts and looking to the prayer made in the writ petition."