The Centre has released new rules for the management of bio medical waste that prescribe better incinerators to reduce emission.
The set of rules called the Environment Ministry's Bio-medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, also includes vaccination, blood donation and surgical camps.
According to the new rules the waste has to be classified into four categories contrary to the previous 10 , to improve the division of waste at the source .Also the process has been simplified .
"The new bio-medical waste management rules will change the way the country used to manage this waste earlier. Under the new regime, the coverage will increase. It also provides for pre-treatment of lab waste, blood samples, etc.
"It mandates bar code system for proper control and has simplified categorisation and authorisation. Thus it will make a big difference to the Clean India Mission," Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said while releasing the new rules.
Bio medical waste includes human and animal anatomical waste, treatment apparatus like needles, syringes and other materials used at healthcare facilities.
Total bio-medical waste generation in the country is 484 tonnes per day (TPD) from 1,68,869 healthcare facilities (HCF). Of this, 447 TPD is treated, ministry officials said.
According to the new rules use of chlorinated plastic bags , glove and blood bags will end in 2 years and training will be provided to healthcare workers . Also according to the new rules bedded hospitals will get automatic authorisation while there would be a one-time authorisation for non-bedded hospitals.
Under the new rules State government will be providing land for the waste disposal.