Maharashtra: Private Hospitals to be charged for Biomedical Waste based on Number of Beds
Pune: The Maharashtra government has announced a new policy designed to boost environmental sustainability and enhance public health safety. This initiative is set to be implemented in the coming months, this initiative represents a significant step towards more accountable and effective management of biomedical waste across the state.
Under this policy, private hospitals will be required to cover the costs of biomedical waste management following the number of beds they operate. This fee structure, which will be in place for three years, was introduced following a policy change in 2016. The policy mandates that hospitals contribute financially towards the management of their biomedical waste, a move that was met with opposition from the hospital sector. The Union Minister of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has endorsed this policy as a measure to ensure better waste management and environmental protection.
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Dr Avinash Dhakne, Member and Secretary of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), has faced demands from the Pune branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Pune branch of the Hospital Board of India. They have requested that biomedical waste charges be based on the number of patient beds rather than on capital investment. In response to these demands, the government has issued a new order that will levy charges based on the number of hospital beds.
Below is a chart representing the proposed biomedical waste management charges based on the number of beds in private hospitals, as per the new Maharashtra state government policy.
| Number of Beds | Charge (Rupees) |
| Zero hospital beds | 1000 |
| 1-10 Beds | 2000 |
| 11-50 Beds | 5000 |
| 51-100 Beds | 15000 |
| 101-300 | 50000 |
| 301-500 | One Lakh |
| 501-1000 | Two Lakhs |
| More than, 1000 beds | Five Lakhs |
| Laboratory, blood bank | 5000 |
This chart, sourced from PuneKar News, outlines a basic framework for how charges might be structured under the new policy. For precise and detailed information, hospitals should consult the official guidelines issued by the Maharashtra state government.
The introduction of this policy signifies a forward-thinking approach to biomedical waste management and underscores the Maharashtra state government’s dedication to environmental sustainability and public health. If implemented effectively, it could serve as a model for other states and regions aiming to improve their biomedical waste management practices and foster a healthier, more sustainable environment.
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