Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital slapped Rs 10,000 fine for irresponsible disposal of waste near Operation Theatre

Thiruvananthapuram: Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital has to cough up a fine of Rs 10,000 for irresponsible disposal of waste near Operation Theatre and pay-wards. The corporation imposed the fine after it found degradable, biodegradable garbage and plastic bottles accumulating on the premises of the Hospital.

To evaluate the condition of waste management and disposal, the Local Self Government Department initiated an inspection of all famous hospitals. Additionally, the department sent out Enforcement Squads to conduct state-level inspections. 

Additionally, the firm gave the hospital instructions to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable garbage while disposing them. Biodegradable waste should be disposed with the help of biogas plant, reports Mathrubhumi. Other than bio-medical wastes, all other non-biodegradable waste should be handled by Haritha Karma Sena. The Haritha Karma Sena collects non-biodegradable waste from houses and establishments to shredding units for recycling. The waste is segregated into different sections based on its features. 

All kind of bio-medical wastes of the hospitals should be handed over to IMAGE (Indian Medical Association Goes Eco-friendly). Indian Medical Association, Kerala State Branch, established IMAGE, a state-of-the art Common Biomedical Waste Treatment and Disposal Facility at Palakkad. IMAGE was conceived and launched to support healthcare providers to overcome the challenges posed by the responsibilities laid down in the Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules 1998.

Many suggested that the hospital canteens should switch to steel cutlery and plates instead of disposable plastics to avoid unnecessary waste. Separate trash cans for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste should be provided in each ward. Patients should not be allowed to use single-use plastic goods and severe measures, including fines, should be implemented if any rules are broken.

The Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 provides the regulatory framework for the management of bio-medical waste generated in the country. The rules clearly state that untreated bio-medical waste should not be mixed with other wastes and must be segregated into containers or bags at the point of generation. Further, the rule states that the waste has to be transported in specific vehicles to any off-site bio-medical waste treatment facility.