Question : DISPOSAL OF BIO MEDICAL WASTE

(a) whether the bio-medical waste generated in the hospitals in the country pose a serious threat to the environment and in turn to the health;

(b) ifso, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has formulated any scheme for the disposal of such waste;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government provides any assistance under such scheme;

(f) if so, the details of assistance provided to each State during 2007-08; and

(g) the extent to which it has been able to obtain the objectives?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) to (g): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

Statement referred to in the Answer to the Lok Sabha Starred Question No.142 regarding `Disposal of Bio-Medical Waste` raised by Shri Shishupal N. Patle, MP and Shri Sugrib Singh, MP for Answer on 29.10.2008.

(a)&(b): Bio-medical Waste means any waste,which is generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunisation pf human beings or animals OF in research activities, pertaining thereto or in the production or testing of biologicals.The bio-medical waste generated from health care facilities contains human tissues, organs, body parts, sharps and other infectious materials. The waste is potentially hazardous, which if not handled properly, may have adverse effects on human health by giving rise to various diseases like AIDS, Hepatitis-B and Hepatitis-C.The waste may also pose a threat to environment through contamination of soil and water,if its disposal into environment is indiscriminate and unscientific.

(c)&(d): The Government of India has notified the Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998 and amendments thereof under the Environment (Protection) Act,1986.This scheme has been formulated for disposal of bio-medical waste generated by the health care establishments (HCEs) in the country. These Rules make it mandatory for every occupier of an institution generating bio-medical waste to take all necessary steps to ensure that such waste is handled without any adverse effect to human health and environment.The Rules specify the methods of segregation,collection,packaging,labeling,treatment and disposal of the bio-medical waste.

The Rules have stipulated various treatment systems like incinerators,autoclave,microwave and standards thereof for the treatment of the bio-medical waste.

(e),(f)&(g): Under the Bio-Medical Waste Rules, there is no provision to provide financial assistance to States.However, the Union Government provides financial assistance for conducting training and awareness programmes to the stakeholders to facilitate proper implementation of the said Rules.