What are the risks of open dumping of DR-TB patient waste at Aundh's STDC?

Open dumping of DR-TB waste poses a severe risk of exposure to drug-resistant tuberculosis pathogens for staff and the public.

Why is the STDC in Aundh not managing its biomedical waste properly?

The STDC lacks essential autoclave machines required for the safe disposal of specific waste containers used for DR-TB samples.

What is being done about the lapses in biomedical waste management at the Aundh TB center?

Authorities have been alerted and have stated they will ensure waste is discarded according to established management rules.

Home / Health / DR-TB Pathogens Dumped Openly in Aundh

DR-TB Pathogens Dumped Openly in Aundh

24 Nov

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Summary

Infectious TB samples are being dumped openly on the center's terrace.
Drug-resistant TB pathogens pose a risk to staff and the public.
STDC lacks necessary autoclave machines for safe waste disposal.

Serious lapses in biomedical waste management at the State Tuberculosis Training and Demonstration Centre (STDC) in Aundh have created a significant health hazard. Highly infectious drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) patient samples, intended for testing and research, are reportedly being dumped in the open on the center's terrace, rather than being safely processed. This practice jeopardizes not only laboratory staff but also individuals in numerous other government offices and healthcare facilities housed within the same building.

Health activists have decried the situation as criminal negligence, emphasizing the extreme risk posed by open exposure to drug-resistant TB pathogens. The STDC head cited a lack of required autoclave machines for managing thermocol containers, stating requests for such equipment are pending with higher officials. This inability to adhere to standard biosafety guidelines raises serious questions about the center's protocols.