Questions Raised Over Synergy Waste Management's Operations; Risk of Infection Due to Faulty Equipment and Improper Waste Disposal
Bhagalpur: Synergy Waste Management, the authorized company tasked with the safe disposal of bio-medical waste, is currently under intense scrutiny. Located near the Barari Police Station in the vicinity of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (Mayaganj Hospital), the company’s operational standards have come into serious question. Allegations suggest that the company’s machinery has been faulty for a significant period, preventing proper waste treatment and creating a potential hotspot for the spread of infections.
The Core of the Controversy
Synergy Waste Management is accused of failing to dispose of bio-medical waste through the prescribed scientific processes, allegedly dumping it in the open instead. The 'All India Microbiologists and Lab Technicians Association' (AMALTA) has vocally raised this issue. AMALTA states that the company's waste disposal machines (Incinerators/Autoclaves) have been dealing with technical glitches for a long time. Consequently, hazardous bio-medical waste from the hospital—such as used syringes, blood-stained bandages, and other infectious materials—is being accumulated in an unsafe manner.
Rising Risk of Infection
Experts warn that if bio-medical waste is not destroyed scientifically, it not only pollutes the environment but also poses a severe risk of triggering disease outbreaks in the surrounding areas. Following reports of waste being dumped in the open near residential zones and the hospital, local residents have expressed significant outrage. Stray animals often gain access to this discarded waste, which multiplies the danger of cross-infection.
AMALTA’s Firm Stance and Demand for Action
Pankaj Kumar, Divisional President of AMALTA, and Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh have adopted a firm stance, stating that they will no longer remain silent. A delegation from the organization has decided to escalate the matter directly to the Divisional Commissioner, the District Magistrate (DM), and the Civil Surgeon (CS). They are demanding an immediate investigation into the company and, if the company fails to rectify its operations, a termination of its contract.
Company Responsibilities vs. Reality
Under regulatory guidelines, bio-medical waste management companies are mandated to collect waste from hospitals daily. Furthermore, they are required to track waste using bar-coding and GPS systems. Synergy Waste Management holds the responsibility for waste disposal in Bhagalpur and several surrounding districts. However, the current dispute has cast serious doubt on the company's reliability and its compliance with safety regulations.
Institutional Negligence
The issue is not limited to the company alone; the operational practices of over 488 private hospitals and pathology labs in the district are also under investigation. Many private institutions are accused of bypassing the rules and dumping their medical waste in common dustbins or drains rather than handing it over to Synergy Waste Management, creating a massive environmental hazard.
Currently, administrative intervention is anticipated. If the machinery is not repaired promptly and transparency is not brought into waste management protocols, the situation could escalate into a significant health crisis for Bhagalpur.
