JNIMS Hospital Faces Action After Improper Biomedical Waste Disposal: Cleanup Begins Following Repeated Reports

Porompat, Imphal – The Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), a government-run hospital in Manipur, is under fire after it was found improperly disposing of biomedical waste by burying it underground instead of following prescribed waste management procedures.

The issue first came to light after a news report highlighted that JNIMS had been disposing of biomedical waste by digging shallow pits and burying the materials, in violation of the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016. Following this initial report, the Manipur Pollution Control Board (MPCB) issued a show-cause notice to the hospital authorities.

However, despite the notice, a second news report revealed that the hospital had not taken any corrective action. This prompted further concern from the public and authorities about the health and environmental risks posed to local residents in Porompat.

In response, a joint operation was launched today to address the situation. A combined team from the Manipur Pollution Control Board, led by Member Secretary W. Roshan, and officials from JNIMS, led by Director Dr. Longjam Usharani, arrived at the burial site to begin remediation efforts. The team started excavating the buried biomedical waste to ensure proper disposal in accordance with environmental safety norms.

Member Secretary W. Roshan stated, “The biomedical waste that was buried will be dug out, sorted, and identified based on disposal requirements—whether incineration or other means. We are sanitizing the site using calcium carbonate. This action has been mutually agreed upon by both JNIMS and the Pollution Control Board. We are also actively monitoring private hospitals across the state and will continue to enforce the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016. Hospitals must have certification from MPCB, and violations will invite strict action.”

JNIMS Director Dr. Longjam Usharani admitted the hospital’s shortcomings. “Due to the lack of a proper general waste disposal site and financial constraints, we had no option but to bury the waste. We couldn’t purchase green bags, so we used red and yellow bags instead. We acknowledge our mistake and are now taking corrective steps. Staff members have been warned, and incineration will be carried out wherever needed. We are currently using our incinerator and will continue to do so following proper procedures.”

Also present at the site were Assistant Environmental Engineer Bangajit, Information Officer L. Homenjoy from MPCB, the Medical Superintendent of JNIMS, and Oinam Arju, Technical Supervisor of the Incinerator Plant. The MPCB is also overseeing the development of new waste treatment infrastructure, including an upgraded incinerator plant.

This incident has raised concerns about waste management practices in both government and private hospitals across the state, prompting officials to tighten monitoring and enforcement moving forward.