Biomedical waste mixed with garbage? Gurgaon civic body warns hospitals and clinics of action

Gurgaon: MCG issued a warning to hospitals and clinics over improper disposal of biomedical waste, calling it a serious threat to public health and the environment. The directive came during a meeting held at the MCG office with members of the Indian Medical Association (IMA).The meeting was chaired by MCG commissioner, Pradeep Dahiya, on Thursday and attended by officials from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board. Officials instructed all hospitals and healthcare institutions to strictly comply with biomedical waste management regulations. They expressed grave concern that some medical facilities disposed of hazardous waste in public places.
Dahiya said, "Strict action will be taken against hospitals and healthcare clinics violating biomedical waste management rules. Residents are also urged to report if they see biomedical waste lying in the open." "Discarding biomedical waste in open areas is extremely dangerous," he said during the meeting. Such practices can spread infections, damage the environment, and pose significant risks to public health. "There were complaints of such biomedical waste found mixed in the waste. So, we immediately called a meeting with the IMA and HSPCB officials," said a senior MCG official. "While the pollution control board is the regulatory authority for biomedical waste, the civic body only has a supportive role."Officials emphasised that all hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and laboratories must hand over biomedical waste only to authorised vendors. Institutions are required to enter into formal agreements with approved waste management agencies to ensure safe and scientific disposal, officials said.The meeting also highlighted strict responsibilities for bulk waste generators, including large hospitals and diagnostic centres. These facilities must ensure proper segregation, collection, and disposal of waste in accordance with prescribed standards, officials said.The Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, provide a comprehensive legal framework for safe handling of biomedical waste across India. The rules apply to hospitals, clinics, labs, blood banks, veterinary institutions, and all healthcare and research facilities that generate such waste. As per the rules, every facility must obtain authorisation from the State Pollution Control Board and maintain rigorous documentation, including annual reporting and records for at least 5 years.