There Is no move yet by the government to introduce proper laws for safe disposal of hospital waste that spreads deadly diseases.

In the absence of proper laws, all waste generated in government hospitals and private clinics are thrown into roadside dustbins, spreading deadly microbes.

"There are sufficient evidences that deadly pathogens

spread from waste dumped in the dustbins. This causes various skin and digestive tract diseases. Some patients carrying these diseases said they had collected garbage from dustbins located near private clinics.” said a pathologist at a city hospital.

"Studies showed that some pathogens are highly contagious while others cause deadly diseases."

When contacted, a high offi-

cial of the Health Directorate told The Daily Star that there was no guideline for disposal of hospital waste.

According to the study, on an average, about 0.6 kg of clinical waste is generated per person per day in the country. All theses are dumped in municipal dustbins.

"There is no facility in government or private hospitals

for proper treatment of the waste." said Dr Reaz Mobarak. who heads the Environmental Health Division of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies.

Dr Mobarak. who is involved in extensive research on hospital waste management said. The existing laws related to waste disposal are ill-defined and those are not at all implemented. The registered private clinics do not nave to obtain any clearance from the Department of Environment for disposal of hazardous waste."

Dr Mobarak also conducted a number of studies on waste management in private clinics. "The present system of waste management at government hospitals and private clinics is very hazardous. A few people including doctors are aware of the fact that the waste should be disposed of safely", he said.

"The chance of infection is very high at hospitals and out-^side. But none cares", he added.