Agency begins lifting biomedical waste from Margao, Fatorda to Kundaim plant

MARGAO: The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has stopped lifting the bio-medical waste from the hospitals and clinics since November 1. However, now Bio-tech Waste Solutions Private Limited, which runs the treatment plant at Kundaim commenced its operations of collecting bio-medical waste, and daily nearly 100 kg of waste is reportedly lifted from the Margao municipal jurisdiction. 

On the other hand, there are many clinics which are yet to register with the concerned agency. The MMC had served a deadline on all the hospitals and clinics from the Margao and Fatorda to expedite the registration process. 

Speaking to Herald MMC chief officer Agnelo Fernandes said the civic body has stopped collecting the bio-medical waste from the hospitals and other clinics. 

“Yes, we had given them a last opportunity till Diwali to get registered with the concerned agency with regard to handling of bio-medical waste. We had managed to organise a meeting to resolve the issue”, he said. 

Reportedly, the CO had warned of strict action against those violating the bio-medical rules and guidelines. 

Earlier, as there was no common biomedical waste treatment facility in the State and to limit the health hazard and garbage menace, the civic body used to collect waste from such health care facilities.  

The biomedical waste treatment facility is set up by the government through Goa Waste Management Corporation at Kundaim IDC, for scientific treatment and disposal of bio-medical waste. The concessionaire of the facility is Biotic Waste Solutions Pvt Ltd. 

The Directorate of Municipal Administration and the Goa State Pollution Control Board had instructed the Council to strictly monitor and report any such incidents of mishandling of biomedical waste by healthcare facilities. Strict penalties would be laid upon those institutes found flouting the guidelines.

Meshak Dayanand, South Goa in-charge of Biotec Waste Solutions Pvt Ltd said most hospitals and clinics have registered themselves with the agency, which has started lifting their bio-medical waste. 

“At the moment nearly 100 kg of bio-medical waste is being lifted from the jurisdiction of Margao municipality. There are few clinics, mostly dental and veterinary hospitals which are yet to sign the Memorandum of Understanding to deal with their bio-medical waste”, he added.