The Hospital Waste Management Rules, 2005
The Hospital Waste Management Rules, 2005 are made under Section 31 of the Environmental Protection Act, 1997 of Pakistan to address the safe and environmentally responsible management of medical and hospital waste within the country. It extends to whole of Pakistan. The Hospital Waste Management Rules, 2005 provide the classification of healthcare waste into various categories based on its potential for harm and infectiousness. This classification ensures that waste is managed and disposed of appropriately, reducing the risks associated with its handling. Proper segregation of waste within healthcare facilities is also emphasized, ensuring that infectious waste is kept separate from non-infectious waste to prevent contamination.
The Hospital Waste Management Rules, 2005 provides clear guidance on the safe collection, segregation, and storage of healthcare waste within healthcare facilities. They specify the types of containers to be used and require proper labeling to identify the contents. The transportation of healthcare waste is also addressed, with specific procedures outlined to maintain the safety and integrity of the waste during transit, including transport to designated disposal facilities. Treatment and disposal methods are a significant focus of these rules. In addition, healthcare facilities are required to maintain records of waste generation, treatment, and disposal, contributing to transparency and accountability in waste management. Reporting mechanisms are established to monitor compliance with waste management regulations and to assess the effectiveness of healthcare waste disposal practices.
