More than one tonne of biomedical waste was seized from a scrap shop in Rajasthan’s Alwar, triggering a probe into allegations that hospital waste was diverted instead of reaching an authorised disposal plant. 2 Min Read
More than one tonne of biomedical waste has been seized from a scrap dealer’s shop in Ambedkar Nagar in Rajasthan’s Alwar, prompting an investigation into the alleged diversion of hazardous hospital waste from the authorised disposal chain. Officials from a biomedical waste treatment plant raided the scrap shop after receiving information about the suspected illegal storage of medical waste, reported News18.
During the operation, they recovered over one tonne of biomedical waste from inside and around the premises. What was found? The seized waste included blood-filled plastic bags, used syringes and needles, glucose and IV drip bottles, used gloves and non-recyclable hospital plastic waste.
Officials said such waste poses a significant infection risk if not disposed of through authorised facilities. Probe widens
Preliminary findings indicate that biomedical waste generated by government and private hospitals may have been diverted to scrap dealers instead of being transported to an authorised biomedical waste treatment plant.
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Investigators are examining the role of those involved in the alleged diversion. The inquiry is also looking into whether vehicles responsible for collecting hospital waste violated disposal norms by supplying the waste to scrap dealers instead of the designated treatment facility. Residents alarmed
Local shopkeepers and residents said they had been dealing with foul smells, unhygienic conditions and the risk of infection for a long time.
Some alleged that blood could be seen dripping from waste brought to the scrap shop, while flies and the stench had made the area difficult to access. Residents also claimed that a woman working at the scrap shop fell seriously ill around 15 days ago after allegedly coming into contact with biomedical waste, further raising concerns among people living and working nearby.
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Health concerns
Improper handling and disposal of biomedical waste can increase the risk of spreading infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. The biomedical waste has been seized and the investigation is underway. Local residents have demanded strict legal action against the scrap dealer and any hospitals found to have illegally diverted biomedical waste. (Edited by : Vivek Dubey)
Home India News Alwar scrap shop raided, over 1 tonne of biomedical waste seized; probe launched
