Hazardous waste

This is with reference to the editorial ‘Hospital waste’ (March 1), according to which the medical waste generated at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) ends up being reused through a black market channel. This is a serious concern since 15 per cent of the waste generated in hospitals happens to be infectious and has a lasting effect on the health of those who deal with it. It is surprising that institutions like PIMS are involved in such an irresponsible conduct, like dumping medical waste in the black market instead of subjecting it to proper disposal through incinerators. The recent spread of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Larkana was caused by the use of shared and reused syringes at the local hospitals. The PIMS administration would do well to avoid going down that road.
On a larger scale, it is important to promote single-use, self-destructive medical equipment across the country for the safety of people without any bias.
DR ALEEZA TARIQ
HYDERABAD