(a) whether medical waste from hospitals and private clinics is causing major health hazards in different cities;
(b) whether recycling of used items like syringes by unscrupulous elements has also been reported;
(c) if so, action taken in these matters; and
(d) the places where electronic incinerators for disposal of medical waste have been installed?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)
(a): Central Pollution Control Board has informed that bio-medical waste if not disposed in an environmentally manner, may pose threat to human health and environment.
(b): Yes, Sir.
( c ):Government of India, Ministry of Environment & Forests has notified the Bio-Medical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, in July, 1998 to ensure safe handling and disposal of bio-medical wastes.
(d): As per information available, three electrically operated incinerators have been installed in NDMC hospitals in Delhi.