Hospitals, clinics under KSPCB radar

Several hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres have come under Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) radar for failing to dispose of hazardous bio-medical waste in a scientific manner. The pollution watchdog has sought details of the erring medical establishments against whom stringent action will be initiated in a few days, KSPCB officials said.

During a consultative meeting with recognised bio-medical waste disposing units from various parts of the state a few days ago, the KSPCB came to know that several hospitals and clinics had failed to dispose of bio-medical waste properly.

Angered over this, the board has not only directed all health care units to fall in line by segregating the waste but also sought details of the erring units from all its regional offices.

Laxman, chairperson of KSPCB, said, “There are about 25 recognised bio-medical waste disposing units across Karnataka. But the units have discovered that not all health care units are complying with the rules and handing over their bio-medical waste. Despite the agreement and directives by the Board, the establishments are still flaunting the rules forcing us to crack whip on such violators.”