Updated on December 16, 2024 04:02:40 PM
The state of Rajasthan occupies the largest area of all the states in India, and it has to deal with multiple difficulties when it comes to the issue of biomedical waste management that, on the one hand, may be attributed to the large geographical area of the state and, on the other hand, the healthcare facilities available in the state differ greatly. Due to diversity in the geographical location of the state and distribution of healthcare facilities, the state requires an efficient and productive system on waste management in order to combat the health issues that may emanate from poor management of waste.
Professional Utilities especially focuses on the current situation of biomedical waste management in Rajasthan, along with some laws and regulations related to hazardous waste management. Another important aspect is the Biomedical Waste Management Rules formulated in the year 2016 that detail the manner in which hazardous waste is to be segregated, collected, and disposed. Further, Rajasthan has started several activities to improve the waste management system, that include setting up specific waste treatment centers and education for handling wastes by healthcare professionals. Such measures, along with general and specific awareness creation and enforcement of regulatory provisions reflect the Gujarat government’s concern for the problems of biomedical waste management. With the application of these strategies, the state seeks to enhance efficient sorting, collection, transportation, and disposal of waste, as well as enhance people’s health and the natural environment.
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 Rajasthan is a major concern that requires attention to avoid threatening the lives of many people and the environment. The state, due to its size and heterogeneous health care setting, follows the provisions of the Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2016, which have measures of proper disposal and treatment of waste. Their fee schedules depend on the type and size of health facilities, and the authorization process is facilitated by the PCC with full documentation and verification. Through the above regulations and initiatives, Rajasthan wants to enhance the waste management situation to avoid adverse impacts on the environment and human health.
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.
The need for proper biomedical waste management cannot therefore be overemphasized in Rajasthan in a bid to enhance public health and reduce pollution. Control of dangerous substances draws attention to make sure that dangerous substances are dealt with appropriately to reduce risks that may be posed to life and property.
The disposal of biomedical waste in Rajasthan is governed by the Biomedical Waste Management Rules of 2016. These rules encompass the aspects of waste disposal such as segregation and collection, treatment, and disposal so as to reduce risks associated with the disposal process.
To get authorization, an application in Form-II needs to be filled out and forwarded to the Pollution Control Committee (PCC) accompanied by the necessary document and the fee. Upon confirmation through application scrutiny and field verification, the PCC authorizes the same in accordance with the regulations.
According to the type of healthcare facility, the validity of authorization differs. The red category HCFs are valid until the end of five years, while the orange category HCFs are valid for a period of ten years. The bedded HCFs are automatically monitored and found authorized, while the non-bedded HCFs are restricted to only one time authorized with conditions for continual authorization.
Speak Directly to our Expert Today
Reliable
Affordable
Assured