Proper disposal of bio-medical waste and control of HIV Infection

[Guest guest]

Dear Group Members,

I am a little disappointed reading the

letters posted on the site. What we are trying to do is basically consider

the HIV positive cases, and the way to educate them, find ways to treat them

or to manage those cases. Nowhere an attempt appears to minimize the chances

of spread of the infection.

To my mind prevention would be the best strategy. In this, concept control of

infection-spread by taking scientific care of the bio-medical waste would be an

important plank to fight the scourge. We know for sure that reuse of, or sharing

of the disposable syringes is an important cause of spread of HIV infection.

Therefore I would invite the forum members to share their thoughts in this

regard, since it is quite well known that disposal of the bio-medical waste is

far from satisfactory allover the country. Despite the issue of special Gazette

in the year 1998, and despite the deadline for implementing proper hospital

waste management over long back we are nowhere near achieving the intended aims

of the rules in this regard. This is rather sad that we cannot realize the

societal responsibility of such grave concern and importance.

It is not that we are ignorant, but I think there is a lackadaisical attitude to

the whole issue, not only amongst the health care providers but also amongst the

governmental agencies. There appears a strong requirement to form an effective

pressure group to goad the authorities to do something

substantial, and not only carry on with their sabbatical and

sermonizing attitude.

Unfortunately effective interventions can only be applied by the authorities,

but they are found wanting in this regard. There is no standardization of the

equipments recommended for the treatment of the bio-medical waste, nor there is

any apparent attempt to encourage indegenised production of the equipments

presently required to be imported so that these are avalable at much cheaper

rate. With the introduction of universal immunization there will be a tremendous

increase in the quantum of the bio-medical waste which will require treatment to

render these disinfected. Therefore there is a requirement to fore-plan the

interventions, and specifically in the rural areas. To make things happen a

movement by committed people will be required.

Air Mshl LK Verma AVSM (Rtd)

E-mail:<laljee@...>

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