Biomedical waste, including used syringes, needles, IV sets and discarded medicines, was found dumped in the open in a residential area on the Guru Tegh Bahadur Road in Doraha. A cleaning volunteer, deployed by the residents due to the ongoing strike of the sweepers, sustained injury from a sharp object, while handling the biomedical waste.
The incident has created a furore among residents, especially those residing on the Guru Tegh Bahadur Road. Locals said the waste put children who play in and around the area at severe risk. They said it was ironic that a hospital, which is supposed to cure the ailing, was conjuring up a public health hazard with its dangerous means of disposal. Residents demanded that the administration seize the waste and initiate penalties on the erring hospital.
Resident Samita Kaur has filed a complaint with the Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner, Civil Surgeon and the Executive Officer of the Doraha Municipal Council, alleging illegal dumping and improper disposal of biomedical waste by a local hospital. Additionally, she has filed a complaint with the Member Secretary, Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Patiala and Regional Officer, PPCB, Ludhiana.
“Open dumping of biomedical waste in residential areas violates the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986. It endangers public health, sanitation workers, children and the environment,” said Samita, expressing grave annoyance over the shameless and blatant violation of safety norms by the “healthcare centres”.
Besides seeking an immediate site inspection and strict action, Samita has demanded a complete report on biomedical waste management by hospitals in Doraha. Besides seeking name and details of the authorised biomedical waste collection agency engaged by the hospital, Samita has sought a copy of the agreement with the agency, categories and quantity of waste generated and collection and transportation records for the last six months.
Additionally, Samita has also sought details of the common biomedical waste treatment facility where the waste is sent, details of segregation, storage and disposal methods followed by the hospital and copies of inspections, warnings, notices and environmental compensation orders issued against the hospital over the last three years.
The complaint further seeks details of earlier complaints of improper disposal, incidents of needle-stick exposure or unauthorised dumping, status of authorisation under the 2016 Rules and biomedical waste arrangements of other hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and labs in Doraha.
When contacted, Payal Senior Medical Officer Harwinder Singh said the incident marked a clear cut violation of rules and regulations regarding systematic disposal of biomedical waste. When asked about the action taken on the complaint, he said he had not received one.
