A recent survey by ASSOCHAM has indicated that about 5,900 tonnes of bio-medical waste is generated in Delhi and NCR (national capital region) alone, with the share of Delhi alone being roughly about 2,200 tonnes. NCR, consisting of Noida and Greater Noida, creates 1,200 tonnes of bio-medical waste and Gurugram produces 1,100 tonnes of such waste, while Ghaziabad’s share is estimated at around 800 tonnes. This situation is made worse by the fact that most of this waste remains untreated and dumped with municipal waste causing serious health and environmental hazard.
Bio-medical waste means any waste, which is generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunisation of human beings or animals or in research activities pertaining thereto or in the production or testing of biologicals.
Segregation is the essence of waste management and should be done at the source of generation of bio-medical waste like all patient care activity areas, diagnostic services areas, operation theaters, labour rooms, treatment rooms etc.
Speaking about this, Dr KK Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India said: “Untreated hospital waste can pose major risks to those who may come into contact with it. These risks include AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, gastroenteric infections, respiratory infections, blood stream infections, skin infections, effects of radioactive substances, and intoxication. Waste management is an integral part of a hospital’s hygiene and maintenance activities.”