PHANA holds seminar on biomedical waste management, urges stricter compliance by private hospitals

To create awareness and strengthen cooperation between private hospitals and regulatory authorities, the Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA) organised a seminar on biomedical waste management for its member institutions at the Karnataka Medical Council auditorium in Bengaluru.

The seminar that brought together regulators, service providers, and hospital administrators for a detailed discussion on compliance requirements was addressed by J. Chandra Babu, Regional Director of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Mr. Babu outlined the latest Biomedical Waste Management Rules, including barcoding mechanisms, documentation norms, and the responsibilities of healthcare institutions in ensuring the safe disposal of biomedical waste. He stressed that strict adherence to environmental regulations was essential to protect public health and prevent ecological damage.

Officials of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) also participated and clarified operational and regulatory aspects of implementation. They responded to queries from hospital representatives regarding statutory procedures, timelines, and compliance standards.

The seminar saw participation from member hospitals across Bengaluru and neighbouring districts. Administrators and senior medical professionals raised practical concerns regarding the cost of barcoding, record maintenance, compliance deadlines, and coordination with authorised waste management agencies.

PHANA president Shobha Prakash said the initiative was intended to create awareness and strengthen cooperation between hospitals and regulatory authorities. “Our aim is to ensure that member institutions understand the rules clearly and implement them in a practical and sustainable manner,” she said.

The seminar concluded with an interactive session that allowed participants to directly engage with officials from CPCB and KSPCB. PHANA said it would continue to organise similar educational programmes, including sessions for hospital management and human resources teams, once the Labour Codes rules are notified.