Hospital waste disposal

Hazardous waste has long been an unacknowledged issue that merits urgent attention. Among the most concerning types of waste is hospital waste which, when improperly disposed of, poses severe risks to public health and the environment. Despite existing regulations, many hospitals and clinics continue to mishandle their clinical waste, creating dangerous conditions for both the community and the environment.

The Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has recently issued notices to 30 hospitals across the province for failing to comply with the Punjab Hospital Waste Management Rules of 2014. Existing improper disposal practices have not only endangered the lives of scavengers, who often come into contact with hazardous materials, but have also fueled the illegal recycling of potentially contaminated plastic items. In response, the EPA has conducted raids on junkyards where hospital waste was being dumped and lodged cases against the responsible parties. However, the issue is deeper than isolated incidents of non-compliance. Lack of consistent enforcement of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act of 1997, and the Punjab Hospital Waste Management Rule of 2005, has allowed these dangerous practices to persist. The situation has been exacerbated by the prolonged inactivity of the incinerator at Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi. For nearly ten months, this facility had been out of service, leading to a significant backlog of waste that was not properly incinerated. Moreover, it is clear that more incinerators should be established in major cities. Relying on a single facility is insufficient, especially when breakdowns or maintenance can lead to months of improper waste disposal.

Expanding incineration capacity across urban centres would ensure that clinical waste is consistently and safely disposed of, reducing the risks associated with hazardous materials being mishandled or illegally recycled. It is imperative that hospital waste management laws are enforced rigorously and supported by adequate facilities. Negligent hospitals should also be held accountable for their disposal practices.