M'lore: 12th Annual Conference of Indian Society of Hospital Waste Mgt Held at Yenepoya University
By Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network- Mangalore
Mangalore, Dec 1: The 12th annual conference of Indian Society of Hospital Waste Management (ISHWM), ISHWMCON – 2012 organized by Yenepoya Medical College in association with the Indian Society of Hospital Waste Management was inaugurated on Saturday December 1 at 9.30 am in the indoor auditorium, academic block, Yenepoya University Campus, Derlakatte, here.
The two-day long conference began with lighting of the auspicious lamp by Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, Hon’ble Chancellor, Yenepoya University and other dignitaries present on the dais.
Dr Chandramohan, hon’ble vice chancellor, Yenepoya University was the chief guest.
Payden, WHO, SEARO, Dr Ramteke, director general (M), Indian Railways, Dr C Shivaram, founder chairperson, HCWM Cell, MSR Medical College, Bangalore were the guests of honour.
Dr Janardhan Konaje, registrar, Dr Ghulam Jeelani Qadiri, organizing chairman, professor A K Agarwal, ISHWM president, M K Bedi, Dr Sunitha Saldanha and Dr K S Bhagotia were also present on the dais.
Addressing the gathering, A K Agarwal said that ISHKW was founded in the year 2000 with a view to attain perfect hospital waste management system. The 12 year old association now consists of 330 members from all over the country.
“Major developments have been taking place in the health care sector. The waste emitted is most hazardous as it has radioactive wastes mixed up in them. The rules and regulations with regard to the waste management systems were revised in 2002 and again it has been revised in 2012. The new version is yet to be received”, he said.
"The use of burn technology is declining as it is affecting the environment and more of non burning technologies are focused on. IGNOU, WHO, UNDP have taken global initiation with regard to the waste management systems in almost eight countries, and India is one among them. The health care facilities are largely focused and the hospital wastes, especially mercury toxic wastes should be disposed with care as the hazardous outputs from the mercury wastes are very much toxic”, he said.
“Our nation has been playing an active role in the waste management system. The waste management system followed in the Indus Valley Civilization of the Harappa and the Mohenjodaro era is a good example for the present and the future generation”, said professor Chandramohan.
“Hospitals have been the sources of infection and the hospital wastes are the most hazardous wastes. Proper guidance for the hospital waste disposal has to be given so as to ensure that the radioactive wastes are also disposed in regular intervals”, he said.
“Life in earth was possible due to the formation of ozone layers in the space. Due to the excess release of carbon dioxide, the ozone layer is getting affected, leading to global warming. The burn technology of wastes also affects the ozone layer as it emits high amount of carbons and toxics”, he added.
In his presidential address, Abdullah Kunhi said measures have to be taken to ensure that the waste management system is done in every hospital in a very scientific manner on a routine basis. By doing this and following the waste management system very affectively, better, greener and healthier environment can be maintained in the future.
Dr Ghulam Jeelani Qadiri welcomed and Dr Sunitha Saldanha proposed the vote of thanks.
Delegates and resource persons from various parts took part in the conference.