Updated on December 16, 2024 04:02:39 PM
Goa is famous for its dynamic and rapidly growing tourism industry and one of the most developed in terms of the healthcare services industry. Tourists' arrival and the rise of the local population enhanced the number of healthcare services; this in turn increased the quantity of biomedical waste. This waste, if not well disposed of, has a great impact on the health of society and the environment; for instance, it is involved in the spreading of diseases and pollution of natural resources. The state rules and regulations that conform to the Biomedical Waste Management Rules of 2016 put in place systems that call for proper segregation, collection, treatment, disposal, and extension services of waste in a bid to eliminate these risks. But even with such measures in place, waste management in Goa poses formidable difficulties because of insufficient facilities, low consciousness, and swelling enforcement actions.
Regarding these problems, certain measures have been taken by the state government and some environmental organizations, like awareness creation, campaigns and training of health personnel, and practicing and implementing the more advanced waste management procedures. These efforts are important in order to effectively manage biomedical waste disposal and protect the health of Goan citizens as well as the natural resources that characterize the state.
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. | Conditions | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | HCFs/Clinics which are non-bedded | ₹5000/- One Time |
| 2. | Pathological laboratories, and blood banks | ₹1000/- per annum |
| 3. | Veterinary-Institutions, Dispensaries and Animal houses | ₹1000/- per annum |
| 4. | Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Health Care Establishments | ₹1000/- per annum up to 4 beds and additional ₹100 per bed per annum from fifth bed onwards. |
| 5. | Operator of the Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facility | ₹10, 000/- per annum |
| 6. | Collection, Packaging and Transporter of Biomedical waste | ₹7, 500/- per annum |
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.
Biomedical waste is a dangerous factor that has to be managed to ensure the safety of the Goa people and the environment. The state experiences a number of issues because it generates more waste as a result of a thriving healthcare industry and tourism. Thus, in following the provisions of the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, and putting into practice strict waste disposal measures, Goa’s health and environment ought to succeed in being protected. Despite the various steps involved in the authorization process, such steps make sure that health care facilities dispose of waste appropriately. Waste management is an on-going function that requires constant effort by the government and the environmental agencies.
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.
There is a need for proper management of biomedical waste in Goa because the state has ranked higher in the health care sector as well as in the tourism industry. The management of waste as listed above ensures that there is no spread of communicable diseases amongst the people, pollutes the environment, and is also in compliance with counties, states, and federal laws, hence protecting the dwellers and ecosystem.
The proper handling and disposal of biomedical waste in Goa is as guided by the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016. These regulations address segregation, collection, treatment, storage, as well as disposal of waste. It is mandatory for the healthcare facilities to follow these rules so as to avoid eventualities of increased spread of diseases or environmental dangers.
Healthcare facilities are required to provide the details mentioned on Form II along with the prescribed fee to the PCC. The process is then checked, and if all documents have been met, then the PCC issues the biomedical waste authorization. As a result of such procedures, measures can be taken to correct the facilities within the legal and recommended environmental provisions.
The validity of the authorization is not fixed, and it depends on the type of healthcare facility and the capacity of the facility. Red category facilities are authorized for 5 years, orange category facilities for 10 years, and all other facilities will be granted one-time authorization. This may be subject to alteration due to alterations in measures that are carried out in the facility or lack of compliance with regulatory standards.
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