Odisha Biocleaners Demand Insurance Cover For Collecting COVID Waste

Bhubaneswar: Workers collecting COVID-19 bio-waste in the state have complained that they are not being considered at par with other frontline warriors despite risking their lives by handling the most dangerous biohazard at present.

With 10 vehicles and 40 workers, Sani Clean Pvt. Ltd. is the only company that collects COVID-19 biowaste from hospitals. In April, they collected about 7,736 Kg of biowaste from eight COVID facilities across the state.

After the biomedical waste is collected, it is destroyed by the workers at incinerators with all safety measures like use of disinfectant on the biohazard bags and vans carrying them, and wearing the necessary protective gear.

Managing Director of Sani Clean, Mahesh Agarwal said the government has announced insurance facilities for other healthcare workers, but nothing has been done for the biowaste collectors. “We have written several times to the state health department for insurance for our workers, but nothing has been done till now,” he added.

Generally, these workers get Rs 10,000 per month. But amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the company is paying them Rs 100 per day extra, including immunity boosters and nutrients enriched food as bonus.

“COVID-19 waste is increasing day-by-day and the workers are determined to do this high-risk job. They are playing with their lives to earn their livelihood. The government must come forward to support them,” Agarwal said.