The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has initiated stern action against clinics and private doctors within the city for improper disposal of biomedical waste, raising serious concerns about potential health risks to citizens.
PCMC has issued a warning to the medical community, emphasizing the need to adhere to the mandatory Biomedical Waste Rules of 2016, failure to which could result in strict consequences. Health officials conducted a workshop on Sunday to educate private practitioners on proper waste disposal methods and regulations.
With 617 registered hospitals and 1,456 clinics in the city, inspections have often revealed instances of used syringes, bandages, and blood-soaked cotton being mixed with regular waste, posing a threat to public health.
Dr. Abhay Dadewar, PCMC health officer, highlighted the dangers associated with improper disposal and underscored the enforcement power granted by the 2016 rules. He clarified that even small clinics are subject to these regulations.
Citing past instances of violations, another official pointed out instances of illegal dumping near rivers and bridges. The Biomedical Waste Rules apply to any entity handling medical waste, including clinics, dispensaries, labs, and vaccination camps.
Dr. Sushil Mutiyan, President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), acknowledged the success of the Sunday workshop in raising awareness about waste generation in the community. However, he stressed that only a few clinics contribute significantly to waste production, urging PCMC to provide tailored solutions for cases with minimal and infrequent waste generation. Over 300 medical professionals attended the program.
This issue underscores the critical need for proper biomedical waste management to safeguard public health and the environment. PCMC’s actions aim to instill responsible practices across the entire medical community.
