Updated on December 16, 2024 04:02:40 PM
Punjab is one of the leading states in the northern territory of India; it has a well-developed health care sector, which however produces a significant volume of biomedical waste. The management of this waste cannot be regarded as a mere compliance exercise since it is actually a vital aspect in protecting the health of the people and the environment. Used syringes, contaminated bandages, and pharmaceutical waste, among other items, are some of the Biomedical wastes that are dangerous if not well managed. These challenges are real in Punjab, and to counter them, there are stringent rules and practices along with coming up with new ideas and efforts.
The state strictly adheres to the law on biom-waste regulatory framework that aims at proper handling, separation, transporting, and disposal of biomedical waste. This includes national rules like the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 and policies existing at the state level. However, it is the capacity of Punjab that goes further than creating awareness among health care facilities, constructing proper treatment of wastes or even collaborating with waste management professionals. These measures are intended to improve sanitation solutions as well as the effectiveness of the services required to manage waste properly, minimize pollution, and guard the health of the public. In this way, developing these practices further, Punjab seeks to produce positive changes and reduce the risks of threats influential for the lives of the region’s inhabitants, as well as to improve the soft and hard infrastructure of healthcare waste management.
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 in Punjab should be properly implemented because in this province there is a compact and efficient system of health care that produces a considerable amount of waste. The state has strict guidelines of handling Biomedical wastes as per the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, including segregation, transportation, storage and disposal. Waste management in Punjab is done professionally with well-outlined authorization and documentation with various fees that are charged to enhance the best standards in waste handling. These actions are not only legal requirements but also benefit the environment, human health, and cost effectiveness. With these practices in mind, Punjab seeks to make the environment cleaner and safer and at the same time ensure compliance with the healthcare sector.
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.
Advantages include improved public health safety, decreased environmental impact, adherence to the law, diminished possibility of healthcare employees’ injury, and cost savings through proper treatment and management of waste.
The process includes the collection of documents, filling out applications to the PCC (Form-II) along with the fee, cross-check of the application, and granting the authorization if the application meets the legal requirements.
These include a covering requisition letter, proof of site possession, company documents, layout plan, schematic diagram, process flow chart, water and wastewater balance, material balance, land use certificate, and consent fee under the Water and Air Acts.
Fees vary by category, such as ₹5,000 for non-bedded HCFs/clinics, ₹1,000 per annum for pathological labs and blood banks, ₹1,000 per annum if veterinary institutions, ₹1,000 per annum for hospitals and nursing homes with ₹100 per bed charges, ₹10,000 per annum for common treatment facilities, and ₹7,500 per annum for waste collection and transporters.
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