The cancellation of the GST registration for Kerala’s largest biomedical waste treatment facility has sparked serious health concerns. This move threatens to disrupt the collection and processing of hazardous biomedical waste, including syringes and used PPE kits, potentially leading to environmental contamination and an increased risk of infections. The facility’s closure could impact healthcare institutions across the state, including major hospitals like the Regional Cancer Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has previously criticized the state’s inadequate biomedical waste management infrastructure, urging the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to address the gaps. With the closure of this facility, the Kerala Suchitwa Mission has already blacklisted the service provider, highlighting the urgent need for reliable waste management solutions.
The immediate establishment of alternative waste management systems is critical to prevent further health hazards and ensure the safety of both the environment and the public.
