Updated on December 16, 2024 04:02:40 PM
Management of biomedical waste is now a big concern in healthcare, and more so in areas like Mizoram where the growth of health care facilities is on the increase. Medical services expansion always means the production of biomedical waste (BMW) that comprises of sharp items such as syringes and contamination items like bandages, besides pathological waste. Disposal of waste generates a lot of risks, and this has been aggravated by the increasing population of the world, hence the need to employ proper management methods. Wrong handling of BMW exposes society to extreme health risks as it results in increased spread of infections, pollutes water sources, and has adverse effects on waste handlers as well as the rest of society. Finally, there is the social aspect, whereby if untreated biomedical wastes are let loose in the environment, they bring to the environment chemicals and pathogens that may prove disastrous.
To cater to these needs, health care facilities in Mizoram should incorporate special policies in managing, collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of biomedical waste. This includes specialized containers, waste treatment technologies such as incineration and autoclaving, and compliance with national and international regulations. The management of healthcare biomedical waste is therefore a noble practice that can only be achieved by way of collaboration between healthcare providers and waste management agencies and regulatory authorities to guarantee protection of the public and the environment for achievement of sustainable development Mizoramls.
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. | Clinics/dispensaries without beds | ₹1,000 |
2. | Healthcare facilities having less than 50 beds | ₹3,000 |
3. | Healthcare facilities having more than 50 beds but more than 200 beds | ₹5,000 |
4. | Healthcare facilities having more than 200 beds | ₹10,000 |
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.
Collection, treatment, disposal, and transportation of biomedical waste safeguards the health of the people and the environment in Mizoram. Through proper implementation of waste management procedures, measures to eradicate the flow of biomedical hazardous wastes in health sectors can be reduced. To meet legal requirements on management and disposal of waste, it is important for facilities to get the requisite permission as mentioned above. Depending on the size of facilities and the number of available beds, the fees for such services differ, and therefore healthcare providers are advised to hasten the authorization process in order to avoid accruing fines and, in the process, encourage efficient waste management for a health-conscious population.
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.
There is a need for proper management of biomedical waste in Mizoram because the state has ranked higher in the health care sector as well as in the tourism industry. The management of waste as listed above ensures that there is no spread of communicable diseases amongst the people, pollutes the environment, and is also in compliance with counties, states, and federal laws, hence protecting the dwellers and ecosystem.
The proper handling and disposal of biomedical waste in Mizoram is as guided by the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016. These regulations address segregation, collection, treatment, storage, as well as disposal of waste. It is mandatory for the healthcare facilities to follow these rules so as to avoid eventualities of increased spread of diseases or environmental dangers.
Healthcare facilities are required to provide the details mentioned on Form II along with the prescribed fee to the PCC. The process is then checked, and if all documents have been met, then the PCC issues the biomedical waste authorization. As a result of such procedures, measures can be taken to correct the facilities within the legal and recommended environmental provisions.
The validity of the authorization is not fixed, and it depends on the type of healthcare facility and the capacity of the facility. Red category facilities are authorized for 5 years, orange category facilities for 10 years, and all other facilities will be granted one-time authorization. This may be subject to alteration due to alterations in measures that are carried out in the facility or lack of compliance with regulatory standards.
Speak Directly to our Expert Today
Reliable
Affordable
Assured