Disposal of bio-medical waste goes hi-tech

Srinagar: Technology has come handy for State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) to monitor disposal of bio-medical waste in healthcare centers in Kashmir.

Under the new system, SPCB has allotted bar codes to healthcare centers in Kashmir to ensure proper disposal of bio-medical waste.

According to Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules 2016, every healthcare facility has to establish a bar code system for bags containing bio-medical waste (BMW) to be sent out of the premises or place and disposed through common Bio-medical Waste Treatment Facility (CBMWTF).

Official documents accessed by The Kashmir Monitor reveal that the bar code system will help in tracking and identification of waste from source of generation to intended destination for final treatment and disposal.

“The code will also create real time online monitoring of waste generation, collection, transportation, treatment and disposal. That way regulatory agency can get instantaneous data on bio-medical waste management of a particular healthcare center or common Bio-medical Waste Treatment Facility (CBMWTF),” read the documents

Officials said barcode system will also help in controlling the pilferage of recyclable bio-medical waste. Bio medical waste including needles, injections, amputated body parts and cotton swabs contain a number of infectious bacteria and need to be handled carefully, official said.

Dr. Sabeena, senior scientist and head of biomedical waste management cell at SPCB, said bar codes have been allotted to major healthcare centers in Srinagar, Kulgam and Shopian districts so far.

“The allotment of bar codes to rest of healthcare centers is underway and will be completed in a week’s time,” she said.

Director State Pollution Control Board Kashmir (SPCB) Rafi Ahmad said the main objective of bar code system is to develop high health index.

 “The bar code shall be made operational on restoration of internet services. The infrastructure and facilities required for implementation of the bar code system are being put in place in such institutions of the state,” he said.