The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued directives to hospital managements in Tando Allahyar district, emphasising the strict adherence to hospital waste disposal protocols.
A team from the provincial environmental watchdog conducted visits to various public and private hospitals, including the Civil Hospital, the largest government healthcare facility in the district.
Reportedly, the hospital administrators have been directed to address environmental concerns in accordance with established rules and regulations.
According to reports, SEPA Director General Naeem Ahmed Mughal accompanied by Environmental Inspector Shah Khalid conducted inspections at public and private hospitals as per directives from SEPA Hyderabad Region in-charge Jabar Jokhio.
The inspections focused on ensuring compliance with the Environmental Law of 2014 regarding hospital waste management.
Hospital administrations were urged to fully implement waste management plans, particularly emphasising the proper disposal of sanitary waste and toxic materials in designated incinerators, as mandated by the SEPA Act, 2014.
Environment Inspector Khalid has highlighted that SEPA's technical team in Tando Allahyar had conducted routine monitoring visits to the civil hospital and various private healthcare facilities.
He emphasised the need for hospitals to increase the number of colour-coded dustbins in line with legal requirements, while also maintaining cleanliness standards.
Under the SEPA Act, hospitals were instructed to fully implement the Hospital Waste Management Law of 2014.
Furthermore, hospitals were served notices to promptly submit waste management plans and performance reports.
Failure to dispose of infectious hospital waste properly in incinerators, as stipulated by the Sindh Environmental Protection Act, may result in legal action under the SEPA Act of 2014.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 27th, 2024.
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