Ranchi. The state government has taken a strict stance regarding the disposal of bio-medical waste in Jharkhand. The Health Department made it clear that now untreated bio-medical waste cannot be stored for more than 48 hours under any circumstances. In a high level meeting held on Friday under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Department, Ajay Kumar Singh, it was decided to prepare a new comprehensive guideline for bio-waste disposal in the state. Under the new system, barcoding and GPS tracking systems will be further strengthened to monitor waste, so that monitoring can be ensured at every stage. Special emphasis has been laid on strictly enforcing the 48-hour time limit, so that the risk of infection and pollution can be minimized. In the meeting, the Additional Chief Secretary clearly said that negligence in bio-medical waste management will not be tolerated at all, because it has a direct impact on the environment and public health.
He directed that the entire process from collection of waste to final disposal should be made scientific and transparent. Officials informed in the meeting that at present five common bio-medical waste treatment facilities are operating in the state, where the waste is being disposed of safely.
However, after the implementation of the new guidelines, this system will be made more effective. Provision has been made for strict action against hospitals and health institutions that violate the rules. This includes action up to the imposition of environmental compensation penalty as well as cancellation of registration of the concerned institution.
Apart from this, instructions have also been given to ensure standard compliance of scientific methods like ‘Deep Burial’ for disposal of bio-medical waste in inaccessible areas of the state. Officials believe that after the implementation of the new guidelines, the bio-medical waste management system in Jharkhand will become more effective, accountable and safe.
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