Updated on December 16, 2024 04:02:39 PM
Jammu and Kashmir, which is a Union Territory in India in the north of the country, has numerous problems with increased production of biomedical waste from healthcare establishments. The region has a population of more than 12 million people and generates a large volume of Biomedical waste every day through its healthcare sector. The management of the waste materials must be efficient to avoid adverse impacts on the health of citizens and to prevent environmental degradation. Biomedical waste is, for instance, used syringes, bandages stained with blood, human tissues, and other infested waste, and if not disposed of in the right manner, they are dangerous to human beings and affect the environment.
The management of biomedical waste in Jammu and Kashmir is mainly governed by the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, which make provisions for the treatment and disposal of waste that poses threats to the health of humans as well as the environment. However, these regulations have been a challenge in terms of infrastructure and logistic means in implementing health facilities in the region. Over the past few years, various measures have been taken to enhance the aspects of waste management, such as the setting up of Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTFs), awareness campaigns, and stringent surveillance of healthcare facilities. These efforts help to improve the general management of biomedical wastes to provide a better and safer environment and health for the union territory.
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 essential to prevent the spread of diseases and environmental pollution in the Jammu and Kashmir region. The guidelines set in the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 help on how to dispose of hazardous waste, and it involves segregation, transportation, treatment, and disposal. However, there are efforts being made, such as the setting up of Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTFs) and increased monitoring, that have led to an increase in compliance. Through the above-mentioned authorization process, the efficiency of combating health risks, reducing the effects of pollution, and ensuring compliance with set rules and regulations is enhanced, thus ensuring that the union territory retains better and safer surroundings.
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.
Yes, clinics or other healthcare establishments, blood banks, or veterinary institutions that are not bedded are also mandated to acquire biomedical waste management authorization to manage the waste properly.
All HCFs involving hospitals, clinics, pathological labs, veterinary institutions, and the biomedical waste treatment operators are supposed to get registered for the collection, storage, treatment, and disposal of biomedical waste.
Yes, healthcare facilities are restricted from collecting, treating, or disposing of Biomedical waste without prior permission from the PCC. They may operate in the market without having authorization; thus, they are unlawful, and penalties may be awarded to them.
It has set up trade facilities like Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTFs), started awareness programs, and monitored practitioners and clinics on biomedical waste disposal.
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