Medical waste scare at KMC maternity hospital

After a similar incident at Valika Hospital, another case of alleged negligence in medical waste disposal has surfaced at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC)-run Sobhraj Maternity Hospital, where hazardous waste, including human placenta and used syringes, was found scattered on the premises. According to reports, improper disposal of medical waste at the facility has raised serious health concerns, as used syringes, cannulas, drip sets, plastic waste, and biological material were seen lying in the open, posing risks to patients, attendants and hospital staff. A team of The Express Tribune that visited the hospital to cover the issue faced resistance from staff, who allegedly attempted to obstruct the reporting.

Despite the hurdles, the team managed to record footage showing the presence of exposed medical waste within the hospital grounds. Health experts warn that failure to safely collect, transport and dispose of medical waste in accordance with standard procedures can lead to environmental pollution and increase the risk of infectious diseases. Dr Ammar Danish, a health expert at JPMC, said that biological waste such as human placenta generated during deliveries or surgeries must be handled and disposed of through proper protocols.

Discarding used syringes and contaminated equipment in open spaces or general waste is highly dangerous. Experts further cautioned that unsafe waste management can contribute to the spread of diseases such as hepatitis and HIV, while accidental needle-stick injuries from used syringes may result in serious health complications. Meanwhile, KMC spokesperson Daniyal said he was unaware of the situation and added that a report had been sought from the hospital administration.

He further stated that the last inspection of medical waste management at the facility was conducted around two months ago. The incident has raised questions about the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for medical waste disposal and whether relevant authorities are conducting regular oversight of hospital waste management systems.