Updated on December 16, 2024 04:02:39 PM
Himachal Pradesh, a picturesque state of Northern India thriving on its tourism industry, is facing the issues of inadequate disposal of the biomedical wastes as the healthcare sector in the state is growing leaps and bounds. Due to the development of multilayer intensive hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions, the generation of biomedical waste is on the rise. It is evident that correct management of this dangerous waste is important with an aim to preserve the lives of the people in the state as well as the environment.
Biomedical waste, if disposed of unequipped, can lead to severe consequences such as the spread of infections, water borne diseases and deterioration of the soil. The Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 cover all the rules for management of Biomedical waste which includes segregation, collection, disposal and treatment of bio medical waste. But, still, there are many healthcare facilities that have lots of difficulties in terms of infrastructure and awareness in remote as well as hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh, even if there are some regulations. For these problems, the state government has tried to provide some solutions, including the commission of CBWTFs, increasing health awareness among healthcare personnel and implementing lots of rules and regulations thoroughly. Such endeavors seek to achieve the appropriate and safe disposal of biomedical wastes to preserve the health of the people and of the environment and promote sustainable development for the region.
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 management is another important process which is being implemented in Himachal Pradesh with a view to protecting the health of the populace and preserving the environment. This sector operates under the conditions laid down in the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 to manage and dispose of dangerous health-related wastes. Every healthcare facility needs permission from the Pollution Control Committee (PCC) in order to manage and dispose of biomedical waste in accordance with the legal provisions. Appropriate waste manabiomedical disposal minimizes the chances of getting infected and possible cross-contamination, which also guarantees sustainability through proper and efficient disposal, hence creating a healthy living future for the state.
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Proper biomedical waste disposal is crucial in avoiding the adverse outbreak of diseases among the population and conservation of the environment. Its environment is sensitive, and due to the increasing number of medical facilities in Himachal Pradesh, there are problems with waste disposal. If not properly disposed of, it may result in the spread of infections, water pollution, and soil acidity, respectively.
The Biomedical Waste Management Rules, categorized in 2016, give provisions on how Biomedical waste should be handled or managed. These are meant to regulate the manner in which segregation, collection, treatment, and disposal shall be done in order to protect the public and environment.
The other information on Form II has to be filled out by healthcare facilities, and the documents and fees are then provided to the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Committee (PCC). The PCC, after cross-checked out and field verifications, gives authorization for the disposal of biomedical waste.
Failure to observe the provisions of the regulations relating to the management of biomedical wastes may attract legal consequences or penalties or pose health risks to the public and the environment. Healthcare facilities have to adhere to the laid-down regulations in order not to experience the above-explained impacts.
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