Updated on December 16, 2024 04:02:38 PM
Assam, one of the states of the northeastern region of India, struggles to deal with biomedical waste generated by the growing number of hospitals and clinics. Finally, as the size of the healthcare industry expands, the quantity of healthcare hazardous waste also increases, emphasizing the need to adopt the best practices that will ensure the protection of the health of people and the environment. These challenges include that some of the state’s facilities have poor infrastructure, and they also lack proper logistics to enhance the transportation of waste. Therefore, proper disposal of biomedical waste is of paramount importance in order to avoid the spread of diseases, water and soil pollution, as well as other dangers to the environment.
The rules, particularly the ‘Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016’ have laid down specific codes of practices to be followed in the treatment and disposal of such waste. But the problem is the enforcement of such regulations in the mini IT park of Assam has been a tough task because of infrastructural constraints. As a result, several measures have been taken by the state for the improvement of the waste management standard, such as the development of the Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTFs), campaigns, and more vigilance on the healthcare sectors and organizations. All these have been in an effort to enhance the general management of Biomedical wastes to reduce the likely challenges, which in turn will lead to improved health of the people of Assam.
Biomedical waste (BMW) refers to all kinds of waste produced in the diagnosis or treatment of diseases affecting human beings or animals, in the process of vaccination, or in conducting research activities. This waste is pathogenic and toxic; it may cause harm to the health of those who will come into contact with it in case it is not well disposed of. These include used syringes, needles, bandages, human tissues, organs, body fluids, pharmaceutical products, chemicals, and discarded medical equipment.
This biomedical waste, if not disposed of properly, can cause the spread of diseases, pollute water and soil resources, and also expose people to hazardous chemicals. Due to such risks associated with biomedical wastes, standards and protocols have been followed for handling and disposal of these wastes, including segregation, collection, storage, transportation, and disposal. For example, in India, the BioMedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 have given clear guidelines to the healthcare facility to follow the biomedical waste management and disposal system.
Biomedical waste management requires segregation at the source, using containers of different colors depending on the waste, and then disposal through incineration. autoclaving, or microwaving depending on the waste in question. Applied management not only involves safeguarding people's health but also preserving the environment, thus making the environment safer and cleaner.
The following are the benefits of proper biomedical waste management, which is considered essential:
As per the provisions of the applicable law, it is mandatory that no person can collect, store, treat, dispose of, or handle Biomedical waste in any form without prior written permission from the PCC.
The first step in obtaining biomedical waste management authorization is to gather all the necessary documents. These include a detailed plan of layout of the facility, documents of proof of ownership or lease, a list of the equipment used in waste management, and others.
For the production of biomedical waste, the occupier must fill out Form II as per the Biomedical Waste Rules along with the prescribed processing fees in the form of a demand draft to the Member Secretary of the concerned Pollution Control Committee (PCC) of the state before the start of any work.
The PCC does the field-level check and review of the application, and then the biomedical waste authorization is issued.
PCC provides biomedical waste authorization to bedded HCFs and non-bedded facilities after satisfying the requirement of the legislation.
The documents required for obtaining biomedical waste authorization typically include:
| S no. | No. of beds | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | With 500 beds and above | ₹2,00,000.00 |
| 2. | With 200 beds and above but less than 500 beds | ₹1,50,000.00 |
| 3. | With 50 beds and above but less than 200 beds | ₹1,00,000.00 |
| 4. | With less than 50 beds | ₹50,000.00 |
| 5. | All other institutions generating biomedical waste are not included above. | ₹40,000.00 |
Note: Professional Fees to obtain Biomedical Waste Management Authorization in ₹25,000 (only with Professional Utilities)
Biomedical waste management authorization in India is contentious based on the categorization of the healthcare facility (HCF) and bedded or non-bedded status:
The authorization to be made for the HCF is lost if there are any alterations in the activities of the HCF. The prescribed authority has 90 days to counter the application, and in the absence of such a response, the authorization is deemed to have been granted.
Proper management of biomedical wastes in the state of Assam is considered essential for the promotion of the health of the people as well as the environment. Despite problems like lack of proper structures like infrastructure and enforcement, the state is putting in effective promotions for proper waste management, and this can be demonstrated by the setting up of common biomedical waste treatment facilities, awareness creation campaigns or awareness, constant monitoring, among others. Through the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 and proper procedure in the authorization process of waste management in health care facilities, it is possible to reduce health hazards, pollution, and non-compliance with laws. All these efforts go a long way in resurrecting the environment for the people of Assam as well as reducing accidents.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
Proper disposal of biomedical waste reduces the impacts on public health and pollution of the environment, conforms to the laid-down law, and reduces employment risks while minimizing chief cost through reduction in treatment and disposal costs.
To get authorization, one has to attach essential documents, fill out an application form (Form-II), along with processing fees, and verify the application. Only then will they grant authorization in case all these conditions are fulfilled through PCC.
The lists of documents include the covering requisition letter, proof of ownership of the site, documents belonged to the company, plan and layout of the structure in the facility, description of manufacturing procedure, water and wastewater account, balance checklist of materials, certificate concerning the classification of land use, and lastly, the fee consent confirmed under the Water and Air Acts.
As earlier indicated, the validity depends on the category of the HCF and its status. HCFs in the red category are allowed for 5 years of validity; HCFs in the orange category for 10 years of validity; HCF in the bedded class is authorized on a default basis; and one-time authorization is allowed for HCF in the non-bedded class.
Speak Directly to our Expert Today
Reliable
Affordable
Assured
Call us on
+91 9821113117
[Mon - Sat, 10am - 7pm]
Write to us
809, 8th Floor, Madhuban Building,
Nehru Place, New Delhi - 110019
Reliable
Affordable
Assurity
They've been very helpful in our registration with ICEGATE. It was a small thing with a small amount paid which somehow escalated to a very painful procedure. Never did they say "You've only paid so much. It's too much effort for us.".
Very pleased with their service. Prompt, professional and great communication. Definitely recommend. Special mention for Ms. Razia - she handled our case.
Professional Utilities is fully professional in their work, Rates are too low and genuine. Services and satisfaction are high so I highly recommended Professional Utilities.
They are one of the most genuine and reasonable people. I applied for lmpc certificate through them and they charged me a very nominal amount as compared to what other firms asked .
