Medical waste poses severe health risks in Phulbari

Improper management and lack of disposal facilities for the medical waste in Phulbari upazila of Dinajpur have led to serious environmental pollution and health risks due to negligence from the local authorities.

Despite government guidelines mandating proper waste management and incineration, these regulations remain largely ignored.

Medical waste -- including used needles, syringes, expired medications, and blood-contaminated materials -- is often dumped openly near healthcare facilities. Stray animals scatter the waste, creating foul odours and attracting disease-spreading mosquitoes and flies.

Experts warn that if immediate action is not taken, the current practices could lead to a public health crisis.

Locals said drug users collect discarded syringes for reuse, raising the risk of spreading diseases such as Hepatitis B, C, and HIV/AIDS.

Phulbari upazila hosts one health complex, four private clinics, and 13 diagnostic centres, none of which possess environmental clearance certificates. Most facilities lack proper waste management systems, and licences remain unrenewed.

At the Phulbari Upazila Health Complex, medical waste is stored near the premises and collected by municipal vehicles only twice a week.

Dr Moshiur Rahman, health and family planning officer at the health complex, admitted that the lack of incinerators and staff shortages exacerbate the issue.

Abdul Malek, a patient's relative, expressed concern over open dumping within the health complex, saying it pollutes the environment and spreads diseases.

Managers of private clinics, including Sabuj Kumar Mahanta and Faruk Hossain, said they have complained repeatedly to the Department of Environment, but to no avail.

Without proper disposal facilities, waste is often buried or dumped into rivers.

Contacted, Dinajpur Civil Surgeon Dr Md Asif Faisal emphasised the importance of incinerating medical waste. He said they have plans to coordinate with clinics to hire specialised waste disposal services.

DoE inspector Prabhati Rani said they are currently in process to hire a waste management contractor in this regard.