Pandemic-induced spike in biomedical waste generation

Data by IMAGE shows generation of 11, 312 kg of refuse in April

COVID-related biomedical waste generated in the State shot up from an average daily quantity of 1,452 kg in March last to 11, 312 kg in April this year, according to the estimates by the Indian Medical Association Goes Eco Friendly (IMAGE). The total daily average of biomedical waste (including COVID-related waste) recorded a massive spike since March last year. From a daily average of 34,078 kg in March, the waste generated reached 54, 512 kg in April this year. IMAGE, an initiative of the Kerala chapter of the Indian Medical Association, has been operating its Common Biomedical Waste Treatment and Disposal Facility at Palakkad from 2003 onwards. “We cater to about 16,900 healthcare institutions across the State in government and private sectors. The Palakkad facility, based on the incinerator model, has the capacity to treat nearly 55 tonnes of biomedical waste daily,” said Sharafudheen K.P., secretary of IMAGE.