Updated on December 16, 2024 04:02:41 PM
West Bengal is an eastern Indian state which has designed a systematic strategy towards the disposal of Biomedical wastes that the state’s burgeoning health care industry churns out. As the number of hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, and other health care facilities is increasing, it is becoming more important to manage the biomedical wastes efficiently to protect human health and the environment. The state complies with the Biomedical Waste Management Rules of 2016 that laid down procedures relating to segregation, transportation, treatment, and disposal of biomedical waste that is hazardous in nature.
Several activities have been carried out by the state government in consultation with health care facilities to ensure compliance to these regulations and better methods of handling wastes. These include campaigning for people to be aware of this problem, educating the healthcare workers in handling the wastes, and setting up proper waste treatment centers where biomedical wastes are dealt with efficiently. Modern technologies as well as authorized Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTFs) have added a boost to the efforts of the state of managing the waste in an effective manner. West Bengal has been undergoing the processes of putting strong regulations and persistent thrust to the best practices to reduce the Biomedical wastes related risks, which further enhance the cause of developing our state as a healthier place to live in.
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.
Application Verification: 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 management of biomedical wastes in West Bengal is an important procedure that is regulated by rules and regulations for the well-being of society and the environment of the state. The Quarters Healthcare facilities, whether bedded or non-bedded, are required to adhere to the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 to get the right authorization for disposal. It includes completing all forms, paying fees for the license or permit, and following all the set rules and regulations on this. Through the application of these protocols, healthcare facilities limit adverse effects on healthcare individuals as well as the environment and thereby promote efficient and sustainable waste management in the state.
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.
To get approval the health care facility has to fill up the Form II and some documents and fees to the WBPCB. The PCC will consider the application, visit the places as may be necessary in order to grant an authorization provided that the requirement has been met.
Biomedical waste if not tackled adequately poses risks like transmission of communicable diseases, water as well as soil contamination, chemical hazards, legal implications for health facilities and most importantly adverse health effects on the community and the workers.
Persons or an organization that produces, collect, store, transport, treat or dispose Biomedical waste in any place in West Bengal are required to seek authorization. These institutions include hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, laboratories, blood banks and veterinary institutions.
The Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 have provisions for penalties in case of non compliance which may comprise monetary penalty, closure of health care facility or imprisonment based on the degree of negligence. Legal consequences may also ensue on facilities that have not complied with the legal requirements including the approval of the authorization.
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