UMERKOT: The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has inspected the Taluka Headquarters Hospital (THQ) Pithoro to assess its compliance with environmental requirements and healthcare waste management standards.
The inspection was carried out by the SEPA Regional Office Mirpurkhas and focused on the segregation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of hospital waste, particularly infectious and other hazardous waste.
Officials examined whether waste was being segregated at source and checked the use of colour-coded containers, designated waste storage areas, transportation arrangements, treatment facilities and final disposal practices.
The hospital administration was directed to fully implement its Hospital Waste Management Plan, maintain proper records of waste and ensure safe handling procedures. Officials also directed the hospital to make adequate arrangements for accidental spillages and provide appropriate protective measures for workers involved in healthcare waste management.
The inspection was conducted under Section 14 of the Sindh Environmental Protection Act, 2014, which prohibits activities that cause pollution or adverse environmental impacts and requires hospital and infectious waste to be handled and disposed of in accordance with applicable rules.
SEPA officials warned that improper segregation, open dumping, uncontrolled disposal or burning of infectious waste could pose serious risks to patients, healthcare workers, waste handlers and the surrounding environment.
The inspection team comprised SEPA Regional Incharge Mirpurkhas Ali Muhammad Rind, Assistant Director Vikram Kumar and Chemist Shahid Ur Rehman.
The inspection is part of efforts to promote safer healthcare waste management and reduce risks to public health and the environment.
