In view of the violations regarding untreated bio-waste, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has issued closure directions to 12 hospitals in Delhi. It has further identified 56 others in violation of biomedical waste regulations. Total 12 bedded hospitals have been handed closure directions and were given a period of 7 days to vacate patients and close down.

The DPCC has made many efforts to develop an inventory of HCFs in the city, including issuing a public notice and organizing camps to apply for authorization under BMWM rules.

BMCC has stated that, “bio-medical waste, if left untreated, presents a major health hazard. Under the bio-medical waste management rules, 2016 all the health care facilities operating in Delhi, irrespective of the method of treatment and the quantity of waste generated, have to seek authorization from DPCC.” DPCC is being “extra cautious” since hospitals are the places where life is at stake, and is hence handing over closure directions only after ensuring the latest status of authorization.