India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Rig named “Sṛjanam” was inaugurated recently at AIIMS, New Delhi. With this, India has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable biomedical waste management. This innovative, eco-friendly technology offers a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for handling hazardous biomedical waste.
Key Features of Sṛjanam
- Developed by: CSIR-NIIST (National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology).
- Non-Incineration Technology: Disinfects pathogenic biomedical waste (blood, urine, sputum, laboratory disposables) without requiring incinerators.
- Odor Control: Imparts a pleasant fragrance, eliminating the foul smell of toxic waste.
- High Processing Capacity:
- Handles 400 kg of biomedical waste per day.
- Initially, capable of treating 10 kg of degradable medical waste daily.
- Enhanced Safety and Efficiency:
- Reduces human exposure to hazardous waste.
- Minimizes risks of spills and accidents during disposal.
Environmental and Scientific Significance
- Third-Party Validated for Antimicrobial Action: Independent studies confirm the effectiveness of the technology in eliminating pathogens.
- Safer than Traditional Methods: The treated waste is considered safer than organic fertilizers like vermicompost.
- Scalability and Future Implementation: The technology will be expanded for full-scale use upon approval from regulatory authorities.
Impact and Benefits
Sustainable Waste Management
- Reduces reliance on energy-intensive incinerators.
- Promotes environmentally friendly waste treatment practices.
Improved Public and Occupational Health
- Lowers risks of disease transmission from biomedical waste.
- Enhances workplace safety for healthcare professionals and waste management personnel.
Cost-Effective and Scalable Solution
- Provides a more affordable alternative to conventional biomedical waste treatment systems.
- Can be expanded nationwide, addressing India’s growing need for efficient medical waste disposal.