The Silicon Review ^Asia

Barcode labeling system for biomedical waste will soon be implemented by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB). Set to be effective by the mid of March, the Central Pollution Control Board has drafted many rules and guidelines  under the Union environment ministry’s biomedical waste management rules 2016, which can result in the effective management of biomedical waste.

With the barcoding system, it will be easier to completely track the waste right from the spot where it was generated to the destination where it will be treated. According to the rule, it is mandatory for healthcare institutions like hospitals, blood banks, diagnostic centres, nursing homes, etc. to establish a barcode system for the bags and containers carrying the biomedical waste. The law also states that the operator responsible for handling the waste should establish the barcode system, so that the waste can be identified from the generation point and the amount of waste generated. The system is supposed to contain data regarding the name of the healthcare centres, place, pin code and a unique ID which will be issued by the APPCB.

The Executive Director of Maridi Eco Industries (Andhra) Pvt Ltd, B. Sivaji made a statement pointing to the fact that there are 650 to 700 health centres in the district, which produce around 2 to 2.5 tonnes of biomedical waste every single day. “Biomedical wastes from 450 to 500 healthcare centres are collected every day, and all healthcare centres will be encouraged to enforce the barcoding system by March 19. Training sessions on segregation of biomedical waste will also be organised to spread awareness on proper disposal of biomedical waste”, added Sivaji.