Centre Brings In Consolidated Guidance On Biomedical Waste Management

Bengaluru, 4 Jan 2021:

The Union government has now brought in a consolidated guidance on biomedical waste management in a bid to create uniformity in the existing biomedical waste management norms of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Kayakalp and the routine immunization.

Kayakalp is the national initiative launched by ministry of health and family welfare under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to promote cleanliness and enhance the quality of healthcare facilities in the country.

According to Preeti Pant, joint secretary, ministry of health and family welfare, the objective behind the revision of the guidelines on management of biomedical waste under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) is to realign it with the revised CPCB norms. It will bring in ease of implementation of the UIP which is among the largest in the world for a large cohort of pregnant women and children. During the ongoing COVID-19 and its ensuing vaccination, a large amount of immunization waste will be generated.

The types of waste that can be generated during the immunization programme are empty, broken and expiry dated vials, diluent ampoules, sharp needle and plastic hub of syringe, cotton contaminants with blood or body fluid, expiry dated tablets and syrups, used gloves, Rotasiil vaccine adaptor and oral syringe. The general waste is packing cap of the needle.

The revised norms have provided 10 steps in the disposal of biomedical waste generated at out reach points, primary and community health centres. At the site the healthcare workers cut the hub of the AD (Auto Disable) syringe immediately after administering the injection using the hub cutter which cuts the plastic hub of the syringe along with the needle. This will get collected in a puncture-proof container of the hub cutter. Segregation of waste in separate containers bearing the bio-hazard symbol, disinfecting the contents autoclaving processes and then transporting it to Common Biomedical Waste Treatment and Disposal Facility (CBWTF) which is within 75 kilimetres from the medical facility are the processes thereafter.

Further, the guidelines also provide specifications on deep burial pits constructed within the hospital premises. The treated needles with chemicals are to be disposed into the pit.

There is considerable importance to maintain proper record of generation, treatment and disposal of waste at the district hospitals PHCs and CHCs. This is to assess the waste of needles, vials and syringes generated and disposed. The waste needs to be matched by weighing rather than counting to prevent occupational and safety hazards. This would help healthcare providers to prepare their annual reports and submit to the designated authority by January 31 every year.

There should be adequate training of staff and the details on the same and these details also provided in the annual report. There should also be a record of needle stick injuries too. All such information requires a stringent audits by the medical officer in-charge. All the healthcare workers need to be immunized for protection against hepatitis B and Tetanus which are likely to be transmitted when handling biomedical waste.Pharmabiz