Times of India
08 July 2010
By Shweta Singh
Pune, India

Improper disposal of BMW impacts the community. one gets exposed to diseases like hepatitis, and can end up with HIV if we use infected material.
Several pathology labs and blood banks operating in the city and the fringes appear indifferent to proper disposal of biomedical waste. According to available data, 169 of the total 250 path labs and 12 of the 22 blood banks have subscribed to the common bio–medical waste treatment facility.

“Only 12 blood banks and 169 pathology laboratories have joined the common facility of bio–medical waste which is disposed of at the incinerator on Kailas crematorium premises.” said Pradeep Mulay, director of Passco Environmental Solutions Pvt Ltd, which manages the facility.
In sharp contrast, medical practitioners running path labs and blood banks in the city said they are adhering to the disposal norms. Dilip Wani, president of the Indian Society of Blood Transfusion and Immuno Haematology, said, “The 22 blood banks are governed by the Drug and Cosmetics Act. Blood banks not registered with Passco may have registered with other agencies.”

“We are associated with the common biomedical waste treatment facility run by Passco. The company sends its collection vehicles and all bio–medical waste like syringes, bottles, needles, blood vials generated is given to the management to be disposed of,” said Girish Krishnan, secretary of the city chapter of Indian Association of Practising Pathology. He said the high court’s July 31 deadline to comply with the norms will be conveyed to all the 250 path labs in the city.

One reason cited for lesser collection of BMW is inadequate number of collection centres. “We ensure that the medical waste generated in our lab is segregated and disposed of in the right manner. But we need more drop centres to send the waste to,” said pathologist Milind Nirashi.

Pathologist DG Kulkarni, who is also the medical superintendent of Sassoon hospital, said, “Improper disposal of BMW impacts the community. The waste generated consists of solids and liquids which may be hazardous and infectious. One gets exposed to diseases like hepatitis, and can end up with HIV if we use infected material. Path labs must adhere to guidelines laid down by the authorities. ”