Pune, May 16: Biomedical and other hazardous waste must be disposed of scientifically to prevent health risks. However, a shocking case has emerged at Pune Municipal Corporation’s Kamla Nehru Hospital, where waste reportedly remained uncollected for four days. As the garbage decomposed, it created a foul stench and raised serious public health concerns. The hospital administration, meanwhile, has claimed that the waste was not biomedical in nature.
Pune has a large network of hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has established a separate mechanism for the disposal of biomedical waste generated by these institutions.
Hospitals can face action if biomedical waste is mixed with regular garbage. Such waste often contains hazardous materials and must be handled and disposed of according to strict scientific protocols. Violations of these rules invite action from the PMC’s health department. In addition, hospitals are also required to ensure proper disposal of their general wet and dry waste.
Kamla Nehru Hospital in Mangalwar Peth witnesses thousands of patients and visitors every day, resulting in the generation of significant quantities of biomedical, wet and dry waste. Although arrangements are in place for waste collection, no garbage vehicle from the solid waste management department reportedly visited the hospital for the past four days, leaving heaps of waste piled up on the premises. The wet waste began decomposing, producing a strong odour and leachate. Hospital staff repeatedly requested that vehicles be sent to clear the waste, but no action was taken.
“The waste at Kamla Nehru Hospital was wet and dry waste, not biomedical waste. Garbage had not been collected for the past two days because the solid waste department’s vehicle had broken down. The waste has now been cleared. A letter has also been sent to the deputy commissioner of the solid waste department requesting regular deployment of collection vehicles.” said Nina Borade, Head of Health Department, Pune Municipal Corporation.
The alarming situation at Kamla Nehru Hospital was brought to the attention of Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, following which officials from the health and solid waste management departments were instructed to act immediately. Within half an hour of the complaint reaching the commissioner, vehicles arrived at the hospital to remove the garbage. The area was later washed and cleaned thoroughly.
