HYDERABAD, Sep 23 (APP):The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), Regional Office Shaheed Benazirabad, conducted surprise inspections of healthcare facilities in Sakrand to assess compliance with environmental laws and hospital waste management practices. The inspections were conducted under the supervision of Regional Incharge Dr Gul Ameer Sumbal. The SEPA team visited Taluka Hospital Sakrand, MA-Ji Medical Complex, Al Haseeb Medical Center and Arsalan Medical Center. The team reviewed compliance with environmental …
SEPA inspects healthcare facilities in Sakrand over waste management compliance
HYDERABAD, Sep 23 (APP):The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), Regional Office Shaheed Benazirabad, conducted surprise inspections of healthcare facilities in Sakrand to assess compliance with environmental laws and hospital waste management practices.
The inspections were conducted under the supervision of Regional Incharge Dr Gul Ameer Sumbal. The SEPA team visited Taluka Hospital Sakrand, MA-Ji Medical Complex, Al Haseeb Medical Center and Arsalan Medical Center.
The team reviewed compliance with environmental regulations and examined procedures for segregation, storage, transportation and disposal of hospital and clinical waste. Several shortcomings related to environmental compliance and waste management were observed at the inspected facilities.
At Taluka Hospital Sakrand, the incineration plant was found non-operational. The Medical Superintendent informed the team that the plant was currently under repair and maintenance.
SEPA directed the concerned administrations to ensure proper segregation of hospital waste at the point of generation and use clearly designated containers for infectious, non-infectious, sharps and other categories of waste. They were also instructed to adopt safe and environmentally sound procedures for the collection, storage, transportation and disposal of hospital waste in accordance with prescribed protocols.
The agency further directed the healthcare facilities to immediately prepare and submit their Hospital Waste Management Plans (HWMPs) to SEPA and ensure their strict implementation. The facilities were also advised to obtain the required environmental approvals and comply with all applicable environmental requirements.
SEPA said notices would be issued to institutions found violating environmental regulations. It warned that failure to comply with the directives, improper handling or disposal of hospital waste, non-submission of HWMPs, or operation without the required environmental approval would result in strict legal action under the Sindh Environmental Protection Act, 2014, without further warning.
The Regional Office directed the concerned authorities to rectify the identified deficiencies within the stipulated timeframe and maintain complete records of waste generation, segregation, storage and disposal for presentation during future inspections.
SEPA reminded health authorities that preventing improper disposal of clinical and hospital waste and protecting public health and the environment are their legal and environmental responsibilities.
