Concerns Rise Over Improper Disposal of Medical Waste in Bokajan

Community Outrage Over Hazardous Waste Disposal

Diphu, June 2: Residents in Bokajan are voicing their anger regarding the improper disposal of hazardous medical waste by both private and public hospitals. This alarming practice of dumping waste in open areas at the local dump site is a blatant breach of health and safety regulations, endangering both public health and the environment.

Locals have reported finding discarded items such as empty medicine vials, used syringes, and gloves mixed with regular refuse at the municipal dump. Despite the existence of a designated area for biomedical waste, hospitals appear to be neglecting this protocol, opting instead to dispose of waste in open spaces or incinerate it, which generates toxic smoke and pollutes the vicinity.

The burning of medical waste releases harmful chemicals into the atmosphere, posing health risks to nearby residents and animals. This irresponsible incineration is detrimental to the surrounding environment.

One local expressed concern, stating, “This is not just ordinary trash; it’s hazardous waste that can transmit diseases and contaminate our soil and water.” They emphasized that the medical waste is being discarded alarmingly close to residential areas and grazing lands.

Experts warn that mixing medical waste with regular garbage undermines the purpose of segregation, transforming the combined waste into a significant health risk. Such open dumping could lead to groundwater contamination, endangering both human and animal health.

Adding to the issue, some private hospitals are allegedly discharging liquid medical waste directly into public drainage systems, which eventually flow into local waterways. There are concerns regarding whether this liquid waste is treated prior to disposal, heightening community fears.

Residents are growing increasingly frustrated with the inaction of government officials, who claim they cannot monitor the dump site continuously. They have observed hospital vehicles arriving at odd hours to dispose of waste indiscriminately.

Community members are calling on local authorities to take swift action to investigate and hold accountable the hospitals responsible for these unsafe disposal practices.