Open Disposal of Biomedical Waste Leads to Rs 15,000 Fine for Hospital

Hospital Fined for Biomedical Waste Violation

The Narmadapuram Municipality has imposed a substantial fine of ₹15,000 on Meena Fracture Hospital for violating health and sanitation regulations. The hospital management is required to deposit this amount at the municipality office within three days. This action was taken under the guidance of Chief Municipal Officer Vaibhav Deshmukh.

Inspection Reveals Widespread Waste

Anurag Tiwari, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in-charge and Sanitation Inspector, stated that during an inspection conducted around 9 AM on July 23rd, a large amount of biomedical waste was found scattered in front of the hospital. The waste included syringes, injections, medicine bottles, and plaster casts.

Neglect of Biomedical Waste Disposal Rules

According to Rule 4 of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, hospitals are mandated to safely and properly dispose of their medical waste themselves. Despite this, Meena Fracture Hospital was found to be in gross violation of this rule. Mr. Tiwari noted that hospital staff and management had been previously warned multiple times against dumping medical waste on roads, but no improvements were observed.

Health Hazard in Residential Areas

The open disposal of medical waste posed a significant risk of spreading serious infectious diseases in residential areas. Local residents had also lodged several complaints with the municipality regarding this issue. Considering the public complaints and public health concerns, the municipality has taken this strict measure.

Deadline for Fine Payment and Further Action

The hospital management has been instructed to pay the fine within the stipulated time frame. If the fine is not paid, the municipality will proceed with further legal action and escalate the matter to the court.