Bio-medical waste management

Imphal, June 17: Regional Directorate Central Pollution Control Board, Shillong and Shija Common Bio-medical Waste Treatment Facility, Langol jointly organized a Training programme on “Authorities dealing with Management of Bio-medical Waste in Healthcare facilities of Manipur” at the Auditorium of Shija Hospitals, Langol.
MLA L. Radhakeshore Singh, also Chairman, Manipur Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Khadi & Village Industries Board (KVIB) attended the function as Chief Guest. He emphasized all the Healthcare facilities to strictly follow the guidelines of Bio-medical Waste Management Rules 2016.
Dr. Z. Changsan, Regional Director Central Pollution Control Board, Shillong, spoke on the Salient Features of BMW Rules 2016. He further instructed all Healthcare Units of the State to manage Bio-medical waste according to the guidelines. As per the rules, he informed that there can be only one common bio-medical waste treatment facility (CBMWTF) in the radius of 150 kms and no incinerator can be installed within 75 kms of the CBMWTF.  Dr. Palin Kh., Managing Director Shija Common Bio-medical Waste Treatment Facility (CBMWTF) briefly narrated the history of Bio-medical Waste Management in Manipur particularly operational Management of CBMWTF. He appreciated the efforts of MPCB in bringing about awareness and practice of BMW rules in the state of Manipur. During the speech, he also highlighted the Environment and Health Hazards caused by improper management of Bio-medical waste. Environmental Hazards include Air Pollution (which cause Cancer, Birth defects, hearing defects, behavioral alternations in infants), Water Pollution (which cause Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Typhoid, Hepatitis, Cholera), Soil pollution.  Health Hazards include Injuries from sharps, Nosocomial infections (Hospital acquired infection) in patients, Risks of infections outside hospitals (visitors) and Zoonoses (diseases passed to humans through insects, birds, rats and other animals).
A technical and an interactive session were also held after the Presentation along with participants of various stakeholders from the Govt. as well as private sectors. Participants included Doctors, Administrators, Medical Superintendents, CMO’s and staffs of Manipur Pollution Control Board.