Punjab government struggles to curb illegal use of hospital waste

Despite the Punjab government’s efforts to reduce environmental pollution by banning shopping bags, it has struggled to effectively control the theft and improper disposal of hospital waste, leading to severe health risks.

Stolen plastic waste from hospitals continues to be recycled into products sold in markets, raising concerns about their harmful impact on human health, Express News reported.

According to a report by the Department of Health, an average hospital produces more than 300 kilograms of medical waste daily, with 71% consisting of plastic, 13% glass, 5.7% cotton and dressing materials, and 0.4% gloves, sheets, and diapers.

The waste from operating theatre equipment accounts for 2%, while blades are not present. Hospitals also generate 3,511 kilograms of general waste on average, with organic materials making up 42%, 3% plastic waste, and 2.5% medical waste.

Around 10% of hospital waste is considered infectious, predominantly originating from labs, cancer wards, outpatient departments (OPDs), and emergency wards.

The report highlights that while 90% of hospital waste is general, the infectious waste poses a much higher health risk.

Documents obtained by The Express Tribune and Roznama Express reveal that the Punjab government, in collaboration with the Department of Health, Lahore Waste Management Company, Environmental Protection Department, and Punjab Blood Transfusion Authority, has developed a joint plan to address this issue. However, the implementation has not been fully effective.

Despite initial efforts, markets continue to sell products made from hospital plastic waste, with authorities unable to curb this illegal practice.