Updated on December 16, 2024 04:02:39 PM
Karnataka is one of the southern states of India that has the most growing healthcare sectors, helping the overall health of its people. However, such growth has also seen a proportional rise in the production of biomedical waste, therefore implying the need for proper management of the waste produced. Correct management, handling, and disposal of biomedical waste are vital in conserving the public health and preventing transmission of diseases, limiting spread of disease-causing agents, and avoiding environment pollution from hazardous waste. The state has implemented appropriate measures to address these challenges with reference to the Biomedical Waste Management Rules of 2016, which provide proper guidelines on waste segregation, collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal.
Further, Karnataka has also made efforts to take action for the better management of biomedical waste, such as setting up Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTFs) and creating awareness among the healthcare facilities about the biomedical waste management guidelines. These efforts are of paramount importance for conformity to the national laws in addition to reducing the effects that have adverse impacts on the health and environment of health care providers and other stakeholders in the community. This page takes a closer look at the present situation of biomedical waste management in Karnataka and some of the issues, standards, and work being done to improve it.
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 scrutiny 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:
Granting Authorization under biomedical Waste Management Rule, 2016
| S. No. | Categories | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 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 crucial in the state of Karnataka to prevent health hazards among the communities. The state enjoys a good legal environment in the disposal, treatment, and management of the wastes produced by health care facilities as guided by the Biomedical Waste Management Rules of 2016. When following the right procedures of seeking an authorization, following the right procedures to dispose of waste, and paying the right fee charges, the healthcare providers will help in the enhancement of the safer and cleaner environment. Implementing and periodically observing the above-discussed regulations will help Karnataka maintain the growth and security of its deveaing healthcare industry.
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.
The standard documents that are usually demanded include the requisition letter that covers the site, proof of the ownership of the site, corporate documents such as the Memorandum of Articles or partnership deed, layout plan, schematic diagram, and flow chart of the process, water and wastewater balance, and material balance, and lastly the land use classification certificate.
A departmental violation of biomedical waste management regulation attracts legal measures such as fines to the company’s authorisation. It can also threaten human health and the environment since some of the hazardous wastes generated may seep into water sources and pollute them.
The chief legal instruments governing the management of biomedical wastes in Karnataka include the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016. These rules have provisioned a specific code for segregation, collection, transportation, treatment, & disposal of biomedical waste for the sake of health and environmental safety.
Yes, failure to comply with the biochemical waste management regulations in Karnataka can attract fines and other legal actions. The management of health care facilities is expected to comply with the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 and in the event of their failure to comply, PCC takes punitive actions against them.
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