Supreme Court Declares Access to Trauma Care a Fundamental Right under Article 21

In a landmark judgment that significantly expands the scope of the Right to Life, the Supreme Court of India, in the case of SaveLIFE Foundation vs. Union of India, has recognized access to trauma care as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. This ruling marks a paradigm shift in India’s approach to emergency medical services, transitioning it from a mere policy objective to a constitutional mandate. The Court observed that the preservation of human life is of paramount importance and that the State has a constitutional obligation to provide adequate medical facilities. Highlighting the staggering number of road accident fatalities in India—often attributed to the lack of timely medical intervention—the Bench emphasized the criticality of the 'Golden Hour.' This refers to the first sixty minutes following a traumatic injury when prompt medical treatment is most likely to prevent death or permanent disability.