Updated on December 16, 2024 04:02:39 PM
Kerala is a state in South India which boasts of an infant innovative network of handling bio medical wastes produced by various health care facilities in the region. The state has been witnessing an increasing growth in its healthcare industry, and therefore, with the increasing accumulation of biomedical waste, it has proactively put in place an environmentally sustainable system for the management of the resulting wastes. Georgia has adopted a regulatory model that focuses on obeying regulatory requirements regarding disposal of HMW, so such waste does not endanger the health of the state’s population and environment.
The legal environment of Kerala is satisfactory since it is under the Biomedical Waste Management Rules that place emphasis on segregation of waste, its collection, transportation, and disposal. Further, the state health departments have been also involving themselves in centralized waste disposal management and getting into partnerships with public as well as private agencies to monitor the regular assessments of compliance amongst the healthcare establishments. Other measures, including the awareness programs and capacity-building programs, in order to educate the health care professionals in proper waste disposal have been initiated. These measures have also ensured that pollution of the environment is minimized, while at the same time availing their experience to other states in India who would wish to enhance their Bio Medical waste management systems. Kerala’s continued commitment towards sustainable waste management has further enhanced Kerala’s health status and ecological security and thus sustains it as the best example for biomedical waste management in India.
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:
Granting Authorization under biomedical Waste Management Rule, 2016
| 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.
Kerala has a well-developed and mechanized mechanism to manage biomedical waste through simple and strict measures to protect the health of the people and environment. Drawn from the facts and evidence collected, the process of engaging in a business in the state requires the preparation of necessary documentation together with verification of the authorization to manage biomedical wastes as well as abiding by the set legal provision. Hospitals and other health care organizations are also able to succeed at proper waste disposal and control, therefore eliminating pollution, dangers to the health of biomedical their patients and population, and increasing cost control. The state of Kerala has demonstrated a good model in sustainable biomedical waste management that helps other states to follow to enhance the safety of their surrounding environment and welfare of their citizens.
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.
No, prior authorization is mandatory for all the healthcare facilities to handle, collect, or dispose of biomedical waste. Business operations without the authorization may have legal consequences.
In order to mitigate and prevent non-compliance issues, Kerala offers periodical inspections, audits, and monitoring by the Pollution Control Committee. A public-private partnership is also supported by the state, and the state also provides training for health care workers.
Management responsibility for the biomedical waste is on the health care facility that produces it. To this effect, they must assess the health risks arising from biomedical waste and work towards practices that promote proper segregation, collection, treatment, and disposal in compliance with the provisions of the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Biomedical waste is unloaded and transported through vehicles that are supposed to have measures to ensure that spillage, contamination, or accidental exposure occurs. Transportation must be done within certain standard procedures and the waste should be transferred to a CBMWTF for disposal procedures.
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