SKARDU: A joint inspection of healthcare facilities in Skardu City was conducted on October 1 and 2, 2026, to check compliance with hospital waste management and environmental regulations.
The inspection was carried out by the District Administration, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Baltistan, Health Department and Gilgit-Baltistan Waste Management Company (GBWMC).
The inspection teams assessed healthcare facilities for compliance with the Hospital Waste Management Rules, 2005 and the GB-EPA Act, 2014.
During the inspection, hospital authorities were directed to ensure proper segregation, handling, treatment and disposal of healthcare waste.
A major concern identified during the inspection was the mixing of hazardous hospital waste with municipal waste. Officials described the practice as a serious violation of the applicable rules because improperly handled medical waste can pose risks to public health and the environment.
All healthcare facilities were directed to ensure source segregation of hospital waste and arrange proper treatment and disposal of hazardous waste through incineration in accordance with the applicable regulations.
The facilities were also warned that continued non-compliance could result in fines and other enforcement measures, including closure or sealing of facilities under the relevant law.
The inspection teams further advised healthcare facilities with inadequate sewage systems to consider appropriate Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) where existing systems could pose a risk of groundwater contamination.
Officials said the compliance drive would continue to ensure proper hospital waste management and protect public health and the environment in Skardu.
