SHILLONG, Feb 25: Amidst growing concerns over biomedical waste mismanagement in Meghalaya, the Department of Biomedical Engineering at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, in collaboration with Meghalayan Medical Drugs and Services Limited (MMDSL) has launched the fifth edition of the Certificate Course in Biomedical Waste Management, running from February 24 to 28.
The training programme aims to address these gaps by equipping 30 participants, nominated by the state government, with practical skills and theoretical knowledge to ensure responsible waste handling.
The inaugural session saw participation of NEHU’s Acting Vice Chancellor Nirmalendu Saha, who attended as chief guest, along with distinguished speakers from international organisations, academia, and industry. The event was spearheaded by Dinesh Bhatia, who stressed the critical need for waste segregation and proper disposal methods. He urged attendees to actively engage in discussions and field visits to healthcare institutions in Shillong and waste management facilities in Guwahati, including M/s Fresh Air Pvt. Ltd. and M/s Environ Pvt. Ltd.
Dr Sudip Paul, Head In-Charge, Biomedical Engineering Department, NEHU, emphasised the urgency of responsible biomedical waste management, while WR Kharkrang, Senior Environmental Engineer, Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), conducted an interactive session to break communication barriers among participants.
A key highlight of the event was a session by international environment specialist John Dickie, who warned against unsafe waste disposal practices, particularly recapping needles, which can lead to injuries and contamination. “Biomedical waste, if mishandled, can seep into ecosystems, pollute water sources, and endanger both humans and wildlife,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Acting VC Saha talked about the importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), segregation at source, and proper labelling. “Segregation is not just a task but a responsibility that ensures the safety of the environment and public health,” he stated.
He also lauded the Biomedical Engineering Department’s ongoing efforts to train medical professionals and raise awareness, ensuring that the state moves toward ethical and sustainable biomedical waste management practices.
