Cuttack, Oct. 11: The Advocates’ Committee, constituted by the high court, today expressed displeasure over the functioning of the bio-medical waste treatment plant at SCB Medical College and Hospital here.

During a visit to the plant, the three-member committee found that one out of the two microwave heaters used to disinfect medical equipment was not functioning. There was also a leakage in the incinerator which was causing excess smoke inside the plant and posing a health hazard to the staff.

“Today, we went to review the functioning of the bio-medical waste treatment and found the condition inside the plant precarious, with the room full of smoke and fumes,” said advocate committee member Tarananda Patnaik, adding that there had been no improvement in the working of the plant since last year’s inspection.

Even the general standard operative procedure was not being followed at the plant and there was improper collection, segregation and disposal of bio-medical waste.

The committee, which also included advocate P.R. Dash and Dr P.K. Pradhan, had come to look into allegations of air pollution caused by the plant. Besides this, bio-medical waste was being disposed without following guidelines at the treatment plant.

The rules say that plastic materials should be disinfected in the microwave after it is put into the shredder. However, such norms were not being followed properly. Similarly, syringes with needles and other plastic items are put into the shredder without proper segregation.

Apart from this, the employees working at the treatment plant are also not equipped with the required gloves, masks and attire while handling, segregating and disposing the bio-medical waste, the committee members said.

“There are areas that need special attention. We will certainly apprise the honourable court and the government about the state of affairs at the bio-medical waste treatment plant in our report soon,” Patnaik added.

On the other hand, SCB Medical College authorities have admitted that there are certain areas that need focus and steps would be taken in this regard, they assured.

“Today, the committee visited the bio-medical waste treatment plant and gave suggestions. Steps will be taken to improve things at the treatment plant,” said emergency officer B.N. Moharana.