A Burden on MCH

In Hyderabad city there are about 10 major hospitals (though the table lists only a few) having a bed strength of about 5000. The waste generated per day per bed varies from 1-2.5 kg.

Many hospitals dump their wastes in their premises and the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad clears them along with in the domestic waste. Clinical waste discharged through sewerage, contaminates Musi river down stream, and if the practice is not stopped it can cause a serious health hazard. The non clinical waste accounting for 60% of the rubbish does not pose any danger to the people and environment. However, it is the four tonnes of (clinical) biomedical waste which proves hazardous to health. It includes intravenous bottles, bandages, blood sachets, disposed needles, plastic tubes, aborted foetuses and other human waste.

As per the standard practice, clinical and non clinical waste should be burnt in an incinerator both by government or private hospitals. Since cost involved in installation and operation is considered beyond the reach of small time nursing homes and hospitals, the burden has fallen on the Municipal corporations which are not in a position to acquire an incinerator to dispose of the hazardous waste.

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