Updated on December 16, 2024 04:02:40 PM
Meghalaya is one of the beautiful states in the northeastern part of India, which is now strengthening its biomedical waste management system due to augmenting health sector demands of the people. With the increase in the number of healthcare facilities and new hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, etc., the biomedical waste generation has increased, and hence the management of this waste is imperative for the protection of public as well as environmental health. As mentioned earlier, the state needs to handle this hazardous waste as well as consider the impact on the ecosystem as little as possible.
To this effect, Meghalaya has implemented sound legal instruments that translate the central legal frameworks, including the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016. They require source separation, compaction, storage, treatment, and disposal techniques in order to minimize the consequences that result from poor management of waste. Some of the major activities that Meghalaya has undertaken for enhancing waste management include the following: These are organizing and establishing central biomedical waste treatment centers, organizing training programs for the health care workers, and organizing and encouraging publicity. Thus, the state cannot fail to see the Meghalaya in improving the effectiveness of the waste management process. preventing contamination of the environment and threats to the population’s health, and promoting sustainable healthcare.
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.
Issuance: 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.
The proper disposal of Biomedical waste is a matter of grave concern that warrants serious attention for the good health of the public and the environment. To facilitate the effective handling, treatment, and disposal of biomedical wastes, the state has put in place proper set-down rules, regulations, guidelines, and authorization. These are the legal requirements that have to be complied with by the healthcare facilities and provide necessary documents and fees for authorization. Some of the success factors that are associated with proper biomedical waste management include the big and definite prospect of health risk reduction, environmental pollution control, compliance with rules and regulations, and cost savings. Thus, Meghalaya wishes to increase the effectiveness of waste management, decrease the negative effects on the environment, and regulate the progression of sustainable healthcare in the territory.
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.
Many people have been affected by diseases that originate from biomedical waste; hence, it emphasizes the importance of proper disposal for the sake of public requirements and also assists in reducing environmental pollution, compliance with legal requirements, and the effective functioning of health facilities.
Advantages include the following: protection of the public and their health; preservation of the environment from pollution; compliance with established laws; potential reduction in injury cases; and cost-saving through waste elimination together with appropriate disposal means.
The procedure requires the collection of required documents, filing an application in Form II with processing fees to the Pollution Control Committee (PCC), and verification of the application, followed by authorization subject to fulfillment of the requirements prescribed by the law.
Failure to do so leads to penalties being given out to lawyers, the environment being affected, health issues being rife, and the image of the healthcare facility being tainted. Such consequences illustrate why one has to adhere to regulations.
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