Biomedical waste increases amidst second wave, sets off warning bells

Lack of strictly monitored segregation and disposal makes it a serious pubic health issue

Apart from the humanitarian crisis, an aftermath of the second wave of the pandemic has been the huge pile-up of biomedical waste generated. Experts and doctors say it is a ticking time bomb as far as waste management is concerned. The quantity of biomedical waste generated during the second wave at its peak was definitely more than what was seen in the first wave, said Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes’ Association (PHANA) President H.M. Prasanna. “The second wave saw more admissions, which meant more face shields, masks, PPE kits, disposable bedsheets, syringes, etc. Luckily, collection went on smoothly,” he said.