Raising sharp concerns over the existing Biomedical Waste Management (BWM) framework, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Chhattisgarh, has called for an urgent overhaul of the fee structure and an end to what it described as monopolistic control in service delivery during an inter-departmental committee meeting held here on Thursday. IMA State President Dr Anoop Verma strongly objected to the imposition of biomedical waste management charges on small healthcare establishments, including clinics, dental units and physiotherapy centres, stating that such facilities generate minimal waste yet are subjected to disproportionate financial burden. He demanded that these categories be exempted from the charges with immediate effect.

 

The association also questioned the prevailing system of levying fees based on the number of hospital beds. It pointed out that in practical scenarios, only about 30 to 40 per cent of beds remain occupied on average, making it unreasonable to charge institutions based on full capacity. IMA proposed that the fee structure be recalibrated on the basis of actual waste generated in kilograms, ensuring a more rational, transparent and equitable mechanism. During the discussion, concerns were raised by representatives of the existing service provider over the possibility of underreporting waste quantities if a weight-based system is introduced.

 

Reacting strongly, IMA Raipur President Dr Kuldeep Solanki rejected the apprehension, asserting that the medical fraternity operates within ethical and regulatory frameworks and such assumptions undermine professional integrity. The association reiterated its commitment to supporting transparent and practical systems but maintained that arbitrary financial impositions would not be acceptable. It further demanded that the monopoly of the current operator be dismantled and at least three additional agencies be permitted to operate in the Raipur