Latest news with #Bio-MedicalWasteManagementRules
India Today
3 days ago
- Health
- India Today
IGNOU, WHO launch healthcare waste management certification, enrolment open
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) for the South-East Asia Region, has rolled out a Certificate in Health Care Waste Management (CHCWM). This initiative is poised to bolster public health infrastructures and safeguard the environment by equipping professionals to manage biomedical waste CHCWM programme confronts the dangers to health and ecology posed by inadequate disposal of medical waste. It seeks to educate both professionals and paraprofessionals engaged in hospitals, primary health centres, and waste management sectors. The curriculum aligns with India's Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, and adheres to WHO's international AND COURSE STRUCTURECourse enrollees will delve into the various kinds of healthcare waste and their effects on public and environmental health. The curriculum emphasises infection control, legal statutes, and tailored regional practices, with a strong focus on practical application. Students can complete the programme in a span ranging from six months to two years, with enrolments opening twice annually -- January to June or July to qualify, candidates must have finished Class 12 or an programme leverages a blended learning format, incorporating Self-Instructional Materials (SIMs), live online sessions, instructional videos, and engaging Q&A flexible curriculum lets students choose between a workshop or a project alongside theoretical modules. Evaluation is through assignments and a term-end PROCESS VIA SAMARTHAdmissions for the CHCWM course are currently available. Prospective students can apply through the Samarth portal at Samarth system is a comprehensive digital platform utilised by IGNOU and others to simplify the admissions process, ensuring a smooth user the Samarth portal, applicants can complete registration, submit application forms, upload necessary documents, and settle fees -- all system supports application tracking and provides automated updates on application status and necessary steps, making the admissions process seamless across IGNOU's various the CHCWM programme, IGNOU has also unveiled its inaugural master's programme in Home Science, reflecting its dedication to broadening educational avenues across different fields.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
IGNOU announces certificate programme in healthcare-waste management in collaboration with WHO
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), South-East Asia Region, has launched a Certificate in Health Care Waste Management (CHCWM). The programme aims to strengthen public health systems and environmental safety by building professional capacity for safe and effective handling of biomedical waste. IGNOU to offer all academic programmes in Odia following MoU with Odisha govt The CHCWM programme being introduced by IGNOU is designed to address the health and environmental hazards arising from improper disposal of healthcare waste. It targets professionals and paraprofessionals working in hospitals, primary health centres, municipal sanitation departments, and waste management services. The course content aligns with India's Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 (with amendments in 2018 and 2019), and WHO's global guidelines on managing healthcare waste. Participants will be introduced to the various types of healthcare waste and their impact on public and environmental health. The programme also provides in-depth coverage of infection control norms, legal frameworks, and region-specific best practices, with a focus on practical implementation. Course structure The minimum duration of the programme is six months, with a maximum completion period of two years. Learners can enrol in either of the two admission cycles — January-June or July-December. The eligibility criterion is successful completion of Class 12 or an equivalent qualification. The CHCWM programme adopts a blended learning approach. Students receive Self-Instructional Materials (SIMs) and can participate in live web conferences, access instructional videos, interact in Q&A forums, and use a dedicated online platform for learning support. IGNOU introduces its first master's programme in Home Science The curriculum offers the flexibility to choose between a workshop or a project in addition to theory-based modules. Assessment is based on submitted assignments and a term-end examination. How to apply via Samarth? Admissions for the CHCWM programme are currently open. Interested candidates can apply through the Samarth portal at The Samarth portal is an integrated digital platform used by IGNOU and other higher education institutions for streamlining the admission process. It enables students to register online, fill out application forms, upload necessary documents, and pay fees digitally. The platform also provides application tracking and automated communication regarding application status and further instructions. Through Samarth, prospective learners can access a centralised system for hassle-free admissions across IGNOU's diverse academic offerings.
Hindustan Times
07-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Govandi residents accuse MPCB of undervaluing environmental violations by biomedical waste facility
MUMBAI: Residents of Govandi have accused the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) of grossly underreporting and mishandling environmental violations by SMS Envoclean Pvt. Ltd., which operates a biomedical waste treatment facility in the area. A biomedical waste treatment facility is a specialised center that handles, processes, and disposes of hazardous waste from healthcare and research facilities, such as used syringes, bandages, surgical instruments, pathological waste, pharmaceuticals, and materials contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or infectious agents. In a fresh application filed before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), a specialised judicial body in India established to address environmental disputes, on June 2, the Govandi New Sangam Welfare Society alleged that MPCB failed to impose appropriate environmental penalties on the facility, despite repeated violations of the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 (BMWM Rules). The Society claims that the MPCB ignored key violations such as untreated effluent discharge, improper handling of biomedical waste, and manipulation of emissions data while calculating Environmental Damage Compensation (EDC). Citing the Polluter Pays and Precautionary Principles, which requires polluters to bear the costs of pollution prevention, control, and restoration, the petition demands a new, legally sound assessment of the environmental damage and seeks personal accountability of MPCB officials for allegedly suppressing evidence and failing to perform their statutory duties. The society pointed to several complaints it had made in the past, flagging serious concerns over toxic emissions and adverse health impacts from the plant. Following inspections, the MPCB issued closure directions in July 2019, confirming violations of the BMWM Rules. However, despite this, the board imposed no penalty and calculated a compensation of just ₹14.22 lakh—an amount the petitioners say grossly favours the polluter. Dissatisfied with the inaction, the society initially filed a public interest litigation in the Bombay High Court. On September 11, 2023, the High Court directed the petitioners to approach the NGT for suitable remedies. In its plea, the society accused the MPCB of deliberately excluding crucial evidence of non-compliance, including failure to meet treated wastewater standards and delays in disposing of biomedical waste within the mandated 48-hour period. 'MPCB chose to disregard these key violations for reasons best known to them,' the petition closure notice issued by MPCB itself, dated July 6, 2019, documented several infractions- failure to segregate waste as per the 2016 Rules, poor maintenance of biomedical waste records, unwashed transport vehicles at the site, and transportation vehicles lacking mandatory biohazard symbols. 'Despite these glaring lapses, MPCB has under-calculated the compensation and misled the tribunal,' the petition alleged. The residents further invoked the Central Pollution Control Board's 2019 guidelines, which require enhanced penalties for repeat violations—guidelines that MPCB allegedly failed to apply. This, the petition claims, has made such violations economically viable for offending the society alleged that MPCB excluded 267 days during the COVID-19 pandemic and another 395 days in 2020–21 from its compensation calculation—periods during which violations had occurred. Calling for the application of the strict and absolute liability principle under environmental law, the society urged the NGT to direct MPCB to reassess and impose a fair and accurate EDC on the polluter.
Hans India
06-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Bio-Medical Waste Violation Triggers Surprise Inspections on Private Health Facilities in Gadwal
Gadwal: Acting on the instructions of Dr. S.K. Siddappa, District Medical & Health Officer, the medical staff of the District Medical and Health Department conducted surprise inspections on several private hospitals and diagnostic centers in Gadwal. This action was initiated based on a complaint received through social media regarding the improper disposal of bio-medical waste in the open by some private healthcare facilities near Krishnaveni Chowk in Gadwal. During the inspections, officials checked for the presence of mandatory certificates including registration certificates, fire safety compliance, and Bio-Medical Waste (BMW) registration certificates. Authorities emphasized that every private healthcare facility operating in Jogulamba Gadwal district—such as private hospitals, nursing homes, scanning centers, diagnostic centers, dental clinics, physiotherapy centers, general clinics, polyclinics, and laboratories—must be registered under the Telangana Clinical Establishment Act, 2010 and Rules, 2011. Additionally, all such facilities are required to obtain a Bio-Medical Waste Management Registration Certificate as per the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016. The department strictly warned that under no circumstances should bio-medical waste generated from any private healthcare facility be disposed of openly or in public spaces. Any violation of the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 will invite strict legal action against the facility. The inspection team included Dr. Prasoon Rani, Program Officer for Maternal and Child Health, and health officials K. Madhusudhan Reddy (In-Charge Deputy DM&HO), Narasayya (Health Assistant), along with other department staff.
Hindustan Times
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
18 Bills adopted, Tamil Nadu Assembly adjourned sine die
Chennai, Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday adopted as many as 18 Bills including the Tamil Nadu Money Lending Entities , Bill 2025 and the House was later adjourned sine die by Speaker M Appavu. When a Bill to amend the Goondas Act, to bring economic offences and violations of Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules under its ambit was taken up for scrutiny, main opposition AIADMK's Thalavai Sundaram spoke on dumping of waste from Kerala. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi's SS Balaji wanted "hazardous waste," to be included in the amendment and Minister for Housing, Prohibition and Excise, S Muthusamy said the proposals would be considered and later the Bill was declared passed. The Statement of Objects and Reasons of the bill to amend the Goondas Act said that Chief Minister M K Stalin had announced that persons indulging in economic offences would be detained under the Goondas Act and accordingly, the amendment Bill for that purpose. The statement further said improper disposal of bio-medical waste poses grave risks to public health and environment. There are frequent complaints about the dumping of such wastes in Tamil Nadu from the neighbouring states. The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court in its order of November 15, 2023 observed that it is right time to book the violators of the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 under the Goondas Act by making suitable amendment. When the TN Money Lending Entities Bill, 2025 was taken up, members, including AIADMK's Agri SS Krishnamurthy proposed amendments to further strengthen the provisions to protect the interests of the common people. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who piloted the Bill said that such proposals would be taken up for consideration in the future. He moved an amendment to exempt banks from the applicability of the provisions related to coercive action against the borrower and said that it was on the advice of the RBI. This amendment was passed by a voice vote, incorporated and the Bill was adopted. This Bill is to prevent coercive means of loan recovery by money lenders including digital lending platforms. The Bill defines coercive action. Intimidating the borrower or any of his family members, obstructing or using violence, interfering with any property owned or used by the borrower are part of the description that shall constitute an offence. Using the service of private or outsourced or external agencies to negotiate or urging the borrower to make payment using coercive methods or by way of exerting undue influence are for specified offences include imprisonment upto three years and it may also further extend to five years or fine upto five lakh, or both. Thalavai Sundaram, speaking on the Bill to amend The Registration Act, 1908, in its application to Tamil Nadu, said that only courts could decide matters on title deeds and Minister for Commercial Taxes and Registration, P Moorthy replied that the amendment conforms to a Supreme Court judgment in this regard. The amendment introduces a new section 34-C which deals with production of original documents alongwith Encumbrance Certificate for registration and circumstances detailing other requirements, such as NOC from mortgagee for a subsisting mortgage. A Bill to establish Kalaignar University at Kumbakonam in the Cauvery delta region was passed. The Bill, to provide for the establishment and incorporation of the Kalaignar University, seeks to bifurcate Bharathidasan University, which presently caters to the educational needs of eight districts. "The Bharathidasan University is the only state university covering larger areas, and it finds difficult to cater to the needs of the students, especially in the coastal areas of the delta districts," the statement of objects and reason of the Bill stated. Bills to amend the TN Physical Education and Sports University Act, 2004 and the TN Lifts and Escalators Act, 1997 were among the Bills passed. The sports university amendment bill empowers the state government to appoint and remove the vice-chancellor of this varsity. Also, it removes disqualification, in conformity with the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 . Grant of online permission and licence, "digitalise" all processes related to installation and working of lifts and escalators was a key aspect of the Objects and Reasons statement for amending the Lifts Act. Another important provision is decriminalising offences under the Lifts Act. The full title of the Goondas Act is: Tamil Nadu Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Bootleggers, Cyber law offenders, Forest-offenders, Goondas, Immoral traffic offenders, Sand-offenders, Sexual-offenders, Slum-grabbers and Video Pirates Act, 1982. The short title, "Goondas Act," is the popular version. In total, 18 Bills were adopted after scrutiny and Leader of the House and Water Resources Minister, Duraimurugan moved a resolution for adjourning the House sine dine and it was passed. The Assembly was convened on March 14, 2025 and the state budget was presented that day.
