Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu said that it is being observed that many of the healthcare facilities are not disposing off their bio-medical waste scientifically which is leading to increase in transmit infections, particularly HIV, Hepatitis B and C and Tetanus, to the people who handle it or come in contact with it.

Chandigarh: Taking grave cognizance of reports regarding violation of Bio Medical Waste Management (BMW) rules 2016, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu has issued the stern instructions to government as well as private health care facilities for compliance of the BMW Rules.

Stating this, Mr Sidhu said that bio-medical waste is one of potential threats to the mankind and environment likewise stubble burning, industrial waste, sewage and other pollutions so that it must be disposed off safely and scientifically as per norms. He said that it is being observed that many of the healthcare facilities are not disposing off their bio-medical waste scientifically which is leading to increase in transmit infections, particularly HIV, Hepatitis B and C and Tetanus, to the people who handle it or come in contact with it.

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The Minister also said that Punjab government is committed to provide the safe and disease-less environment in the state and several initiatives had been taken in this regard. He said that continuous trainings regarding the bio waste management are being given by the health department on district and block level. He said that he has also directed the Civil Surgeons to ensure proper compliance of parameters in collaboration with the Punjab Pollution Board.

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