"With the spread of killer diseases like AIDS likely due to negligence on part of disposing hospital waste, issue needs immediate attention," he said. The convention was organized by the health committee of the Baroda Management Association and co-sponsored by the United States-Asia Environmental Partnership.

Now a days with the hi-tech, sophisticated medical treatment the hospital waste per bed occupant varies between 1.5 to two kg, said Dr. Patel which was not the case five decades ago when majority of the equipment and medical aid could be reused.

Emphasizing the importance of dealing with medical problems carefully, he said that a cost-effective, need-based program should be conceived. For this, coordinated efforts, by the policy makers and its implementation is essential," he added.

Health Minister Ashok Bhatt said that efforts should be directed towards raking in revenue by recycling the hospital waste. "In this manner one will not only get rid of the hazardous waste but also bring in revenue."

No efforts should be spared in terms of research and investment in seeking a solution for this problem, he said. "Money is insignificant compared to human life," he said.

Referring to the various acts that have been enforced, GSFC chairman K.D. Jeswani said similar regulation for monitoring the disposal of hospital waste has been made recently. In the same breath he added, public should be made aware of the hazards and they, should co-operate in bettering the conditions.

Chairman of the convention S.B. Saxina said that it aimed at acquainting the public about the scientific, technical and managerial components of the process of medical waste management. "Also to evolve cost effective, practically viable waste management solutions. "

Published in The Times of India, February 8, 1999

VADODARA – The two-day maiden national conference on medical waste management held at the C.C. Mehto Audiorium concluded with an emphasizing note on standardizing norms for medical waste management even as creation of special forum at local and nodal centers across the country was recommended.

Besides, dignitaries including speakers from Washington, DC, reviewed the entire proceedings giving conclusions and suggestions for better facilitation. United States-Asia Environment Partnership (US-AEP) Mumbai Director M. Parasnis listed strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the field of medical waste management, which had emerged during the two-day academic discourse.

While pointing out weaknesses, Mr. Parasnis said that the legislation for medical waste management does not impart clarity. While summarizing the views of majority of speakers, he reiterated that there is lack of accountability and responsibility. "There is a tendency to pass the buck even as people feel community’s voice is not heard by the authority. Also there is complain of high handedness," he said.

Similarly a cross section of speakers in their deliberations lamented the lack of encouragement from government to the private sector.

The speakers felt that by doing so government was not only avoiding the much-warranted professionalism in the said area but also overlooking the business proposition that was inherent in medical waste management. Speakers also felt that there was a perceived need of more international co-operation.

Meanwhile, chief guest for the second day’s proceeding ministry of forest principal secretary P. Basu agreed that there was lack of budgetary provision. He said that along with this there was a seeming lacuna as far as disposition of authority was concerned.