To check improper disposal of hazardous biomedical waste in the country, the Union Environment Ministry has issued draft guidelines for bar code system to be adopted by the healthcare facilities and Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTFs) that helps in tracking waste from source generation to final disposal and treatment destination.
The draft guidelines are in compliance to the Bio-Medical Waste Management (BMWM) Rules, 2016 issued by Central Pollution Control Board under the Ministry on August 8.
Bar code system will also help in identification of source of generation in case waste is disposed of improperly as well as quantification of bio-medical waste generated, colour coding-wise waste handed over to the CBWTF operator by the healthcare facility, for further treatment and disposal, said a senior official from the Ministry.
The draft guidelines provide guidance to the stakeholders for ensuring effective enforcement of the BMWM Rules, 2016.
It invited suggestions and objections from stakeholders including State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Pollution Control Committee (PCC) in Union Territory, Armed Forces Medical Services, healthcare facility-- hospital, nursing home, clinic, dispensary, veterinary institution, animal house, pathological laboratory, blood bank etc as well as operator of CBWTF by August 25.
According to reports, the quantum of waste generated in India is estimated to be 1-2 kg per bed per day in a hospital and 600 gm per day per bed in a clinic. Eighty-five per cent of the hospital waste is non-hazardous, 15% is infectious/hazardous. Mixing of hazardous results into contamination and makes the entire waste hazardous. Hence there is necessity to segregate and treat.
Improper disposal increases risk of infection; encourages recycling of prohibited disposables and disposed drugs; and develops resistant microorganisms.
As per the BMWM Rules, 2016 it is the duty of every HCF to establish a bar code system for bags or containers containing bio-medical waste to be sent out of the premises or place for any purpose within one year from the date of notification.
As per the guidelines, bar code label should have a provision for colour coded bag -- 01 for yellow colour bag, 02 for red colour bag, 03 for white translucent colour, 04 for blue colour card board box or container.
Bar code label should contain name of the HCF, place and postal PIN code besides a few other requirements.
