Biomed waste is an issue to deal with in Bangalore

The third day of Wake Up, Clean Up Bengaluru campaign saw medical institutions and bio-medical waste generators deliberating plans on bringing together small private clinics to implement effective biomedical waste disposal system, in Bangalore.

Speaking at the event, Sudarshan Ballal, medical director, Manipal Hospital said, “While medical institutions are segregating biomedical waste, there seems to be confusion among smaller clinics. Some of the waste is not being collected or separated, as a result it is mixing with other waste which can be toxic.”

Bangalore generates over 40 tonnes of biomedical waste. “Half a kg to 4kg of biomedical waste per bed per day is being generated in Bangalore. Only 40% to 85% of this is segregated.

There are only two Common Bio Waste Treatment Facilities, which cannot handle the load. Increasing health care facilities and large number of general practitioner clinics are only adding to the issues,” said Dr Hemanth, Professor, Community Medicine, MS Ramaiah Medical College.

Many felt meetings with smaller clinics were essential to go through with suggestions of local hospitals joining hands with smaller clinics and households to accept their biomedical waste at a small fee.