Nagpur pathology lab fined Rs 1 lakh for violating biomedical waste disposal norms

Nagpur: A Nagpur-based clinic and pathology lab has been fined Rs 1 lakh for disposing of biomedical waste on a footpath in a busy region after getting caught by the Nuisance Detection Squad (NDS) of Nagpur Municipal Corporation's Ashi Nagar zone. 

The lab has been identified as Siddharth Pathology Lab, which violated the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, by throwing the bio-medical waste on the footpath near the busy Dus Number Pulia. 

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The NDS team had found the biomedical waste being dumped near the footpath during their regular patrolling, following which they quickly took action. Deputy municipal commissioner (SWM) Dr Gajendra Mahalle also went to the spot as Mahalle was also on patrolling duty. 

The Times of India reports that the staff associated with the Siddharth Pathology lab admitted to throwing the bio-medical waste during the investigation. However, the staff alleged that they dumped it unintentionally which caused Dr. Mahalle to reduce the fine imposed on them. Warning the staff members of the lab, Dr. Mahalle said, "If the pathology management is found repeating the act, the fine will be revised." 

The Biomedical waste rules clearly state that biomedical wastes should be disposed of only in a scientific manner. The Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 clearly state that the waste needs to be segregated at the source point with color-coded plastic bags. The rule states direct that there should be a designated central waste collection room situated within hospital premises for storing the bio-medical waste, till the waste is picked and transported for treatment and disposal at Common Bio-medical Waste Treatment and Disposal Facility (CBWTF). 

The responsibility lies with the Healthcare facility to make sure that bio-medical waste is handled without any adverse effect on human health and the environment, as per the 2016 rules. 

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