Updated on December 16, 2024 04:02:39 PM
Lakshadweep is a beautiful union territory of India that consists of a number of islands which are famous for their untouched beauty of beaches and the biodiversity in the sea. Although the development of healthcare facilities in Lakshadweep is still going on, the proper management of biomedical waste has become very essential to conserve the environment and avert the hazards that may affect the inhabitants of the island. Different types of risky Biomedical wastes produced in the health care sector are infectious wastes, used sharps, and contaminated articles and devices, which have a negative impact on the environment and human health when not disposed of properly.
In order to overcome these issues, the government has laid down strict rules under the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, which most health care centers do not follow regarding the proper disposal of hazardous material. Measures range from establishing Biomedical waste treatment facilities to increasing the consciousness level of health care workers and enforcement of the Biomedical waste management and handling rules by checking and monitoring periodically. Furthermore, the administration is also working on the programs of adopting more extemporaneous technologies such as incineration and autoclaving of different dangers of hazardous wastes for minimizing its effect on the ecosystem. The measures that Lakshadweep is adopting to step up waste management and encouraging improved practices will thus go a long way to minimize the adverse implications of biomedical wastes while conserving its delicate environment and, at the same time, enhancing the health of the public.
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.
There is a need to have a proper Biomedical waste management system in Lakshadweep since it is important for the protection of the community and the environment. Proper EMAS waste management procedures put in place according to the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 help in the proper handling of hazardous waste in healthcare facilities. As per the regulatory framework, healthcare institutions are required to seek consent from the PCC through a prescribed process and submit some documents. Appropriate disposal of the framework reduces cases of environmental pollution, the health risks to various healthcare personnel, and the general well-being of the public, and also has the added effect of adhering to the legal requirements as laid down in the sustainable waste disposal laws.
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Any kind of healthcare facility that produces any sort of biomedical waste, such as hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and veterinary institutions, can only arrange for collection, storage, treatment, or disposal of biomedical waste through the Lakshadweep Pollution Control Committee (PCC).
The process includes the filing of Form II, the supporting documents and fee, as well as submission to the PCC. The committee will then view the application and go for the physical visit at the site before the authorization is granted.
Biomedical waste mismanagement consequences include environmental pollution, transmission of communicable diseases, penalties under law, and risks to health care personnel and the population.
The PCC is responsible for granting authorisations, oversees health care establishments, and enforces the Biomedical Waste Management Rules. They investigate incidents, take samples, and perform audits so as to confirm that appropriate waste management standards are adopted.
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