SC orders EPD to submit report on incinerators

Bench headed by CJ instructs environment protection department to submit report

LAHORE: A Supreme Court (SC) bench on Sunday sought a detailed report from the Secretary Environment Protection Department (EPD) and Secretary Health Department regarding incinerators installed at the public and private sector hospitals for disposal of the hospital waste.

The bench directed both secretaries to personally visit the incinerator sites across Punjab and submit a complete report in 15 days.  The bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar passed the orders while hearing a case in connection with hospital waste disposal.

During the hearing, EPD Secretary Saif Anjum, who appeared in response to the bench orders of January 20, submitted a detailed report about incinerators installed in public and private sector hospitals across the province.

He admitted that the report was prepared on the basis of data provided by the field staff, in response to a query. At this, the bench directed the secretaries EPD and health to visit the incinerator sites personally and submit a detailed report in 15 days.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2018.