Introduction
Recently, the National Green Tribunal has directed several authorities to ensure compliance from the biomedical waste management facilities in India. The tribunal’s decision came as a response to frequent violations of rules, and regular fines imposed on healthcare and biomedical waste treatment facilities.
Key Points
On a central level, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) must ensure strict compliance with the biomedical waste management rules and the scientific disposal of waste. State-level authorities, including the chief secretaries of all states and Union territories, are responsible for overseeing compliance. They must ensure that every healthcare facility in their jurisdiction secures authorisation and adheres to norms.
On a district level, the district magistrates are liable to follow the District Environmental Plans. Furthermore, while permitting deep burials, it should be ensured that groundwater contamination does not occur. Also, there should be definite segregation between hazardous biomedical waste and general waste.
An earlier observation indicated that the segregation of COVID-19 biomedical waste and general garbage is crucial to avoid further contamination and adverse effects on public health.
Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016
Biomedical waste comprises human and animal anatomical waste, treatment apparatus like needles, syringes, and other materials used in healthcare facilities during treatment and research. The Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 have been formulated to manage the biomedical waste generated from Healthcare Facilities (HCFs) across the country.
The ambit of these rules has been expanded to encompass activities like vaccination camps, blood donation camps, surgical camps, or other healthcare activities. The rules also propose the phasing out of chlorinated plastic bags, gloves, and blood bags within two years starting from March 2016.
Moreover, the rules recommend pre-treatment of laboratory waste, microbiological waste, blood samples, and blood bags through disinfection or sterilisation on-site, following guidelines prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO).
Challenges in Biomedical Waste Management
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges in scientifically disposing of generated waste and in its collection and disposal. Poor compliance with CPCB guidelines related to COVID-19 waste is evident. In some states, improper segregation of waste from COVID-19 facilities and quarantine homes has been reported. The rise in residential biomedical waste and careless handling may trigger a surge in cases, affecting patients and healthcare workers alike. Discarded masks and gloves pose a potential risk to sanitation workers who often work without adequate protection.
Suggested Measures for Improvement
Effective segregation of waste is essential. Left-over food, disposable plates, glasses, used masks, tissues, toiletries, etc., used by COVID-19 patients should be put in yellow-coloured bags, while used gloves should be put in red bags. Recycling plants should be set up across India, following the Smart cities project model under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model.
Awareness campaigns through media platforms can generate mass understanding about the correct disposal of biomedical waste. An infusion of innovative technology through incentivising start-ups and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) offering solutions for waste segregation and treatment can further aid the process. Regular monitoring by central and state PCBs, health departments, and a high-level task team at the central level can ensure effective biomedical waste management.
