Concern Over Dumping Of Medical Wastes Of COVID Health Centre in Odisha’s Berhampur

Berhampur: The medical wastes of the Dedicated COVID Health Center at City Hospital dumped inside the hospital premises here have posed serious health problems.

The residents of the area have expressed their concern over the dumping of medical wastes including PPE kits, syringes, saline bottles and others. It is not only polluting the environment but also endangering the human lives, they said.

Sudhir Rout, Convenor of Forum For Ganjam, an organization spearheading agitation for the interest of the people of Ganjam, described it as very dangerous and careless attitude of the authorities. It reflects lack of coordination between the Health Department and the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC), he added.

Stray dogs and cows frequently visit the spot to consume left over food which is also dumped there. If the coronaviruses infect the animals, it would deteriorate the situation, Sudhir said.

“We must take immediate steps to dispose of these medical wastes and not repeat the carelessness,” Sudhir said.

Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), Ganjam Dr Uma Shankar Mishra admitted it as a serious lapse. “I have ordered an inquiry into it and next course of action would be decided after receiving the report,” he said.