Pollution board inspects 144 heath facilities
Issues 56 applications for Bio-Medical Waste Authorisation
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MAR CH16
The Goa State Pollution Control Board has conducted inspection of 144 healthcare facilities and has issued 56 new applications for obtaining Bio-Medical Waste Authorization.
The GSPCB in a report submitted to the High Court, has reveled that 108 health care facilities have complied with the rules and that five health care facilities are to be re-inspected as they are under renovation.
The report has been filed in respect to suo motto petition on garbage. Amicus Curiae Norma Alvares had brought it to the notice of the Court that medical institutes in the State are not complying with Bio Medical Waste (BMW) Rules, and hazardous waste is sometimes found dumped in the open.
The GSPCB though initially did not pay much attention to the nuisance of bio-medical waste generated in the State or its disposal until recently, was woken by High Court directive.
It has been conducting inspection since February 10. It has issued notices to 133 medical establishments, granted authorization to 51 health care facilities, and in the process of granting authorization to 24 health care facilities that have complied with the rules.
It is further stated in the report that 33 inspections have been carried out with regard to the reply received to the show cause notice, and 45 health care facilities are yet to be inspected.
Apparently, the major problem is non- availability of common treatment facility in the State.
The municipal councils, association of private nursing homes and the Indian Medical Association should jointly take necessary steps for establishment of a bio-medical waste treatment facility for the State.
The government has identified about 5000 sq mts of land at Dharbandora for construction of secured landfill site but it has not been handed over to the industrial Waste Management Association.
The municipal councils at Curchorem-Cacora, Sanguem, Valpoi, Cuncolim, Pernem, Quepem and Sanquelim which are still lagging behind have to pull up their socks and put facilities in place by Monday next.
The Court will also hear the issue of bio-medical waste during next hearing.
Pollution board inspects 144 heath facilities
PANJIM, MAR CH16 The Goa State Pollution Control Board has conducted inspection of 144 healthcare facilities and has issued 56 new applications for obtaining Bio-Medical Waste Authorization.
