Nimhans, St John's found wanting on biomed waste mgmt

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) Chairman Lakshman during surprise inspections on Saturday found that Nimhans and St John’s Medical College and Hospital did not entirely comply with biomedical waste management rules.

A Ramesh, Senior Environmental Officer of KSPCB said, “At Nimhans, it was found that the cost of biomedical waste is not based on the quantity of biomedical waste generated but on lump sum monthly basis. Besides, it was found that colour coding was not followed in a few wards and no separate treatment facility for laundry effluent is provided.” Dr B N Gangadhar, director, Nimhans, said that according to the pollution control board their violations were not ‘serious’.

 “We are glad that they have pointed out our shortcomings. Even if it is only 10% violations, we will take note of it and make corrections. Being an institution of national repute, we must comply with the rules completely,” he added.

 At St John’s Medical College, the board found discrepancies in the quantities. “Unscientific collection, segregation and storage near the biomedical storage room was observed. A notice will be issued on the said violations,” said the note.

 Dr Vijay Joseph, chief of medical services,  St John’s Medical College said, “We have noticed that the boys who come to pick the non-biomedical waste rummage into the medical waste bags in the mornings, leaving them scattered. However, we have made efforts for over two weeks to ensure it is sorted.”