THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a groundbreaking achievement for the country, the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) has developed innovative technology for the safe, sustainable, and cost-effective management of biomedical waste.
The technology was showcased at the one-day Biomedical Waste Management Conclave held at the CSIR-NIIST campus in the city on March 26. Dr. M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS New Delhi, inaugurated the event, which was presided over by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary of DSIR and Director-General of CSIR, through video conferencing.
Highlighting the significance of innovative technologies in the biomedical field, Dr. Srinivas stated that AIIMS is committed to collaborating with academic and research institutions, particularly CSIR. He commended CSIR-NIIST Director Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan and his team for offering an alternative solution for the disposal of pathogenic biomedical waste.
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Dr. Kalaiselvi emphasized that the biomedical waste treatment technology developed by CSIR-NIIST will effectively address one of the modern era’s biggest challenges. She noted that this technology would significantly impact the global biomedical arena by overcoming the limitations of conventional technologies, including energy-intensive incineration.
Dr. Anandharamakrishnan explained that using the technology, one kilogram of medical waste can be converted into soil additives in just three minutes, suitable for agricultural purposes. He emphasized that this safe and cost-effective technology would enable hospitals to dispose of medical waste at its source easily. However, implementing the technology in hospitals nationwide requires approval from the Central Pollution Control Board.
“CSIR-NIIST is actively pursuing various waste management strategies, including biomedical waste. The technology we developed for converting pathogenic biomedical waste into value-added soil additives exemplifies the ‘Waste to Wealth’ concept,” he added. After developing this technology, CSIR-NIIST transferred it to Angamaly-based firm Bio Vastum Solutions.
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The conclave also delved into various aspects related to scientific biomedical waste management and its significance. During the two panel discussions, experts emphasized the need for new technologies to replace conventional methods for managing pathogenic biomedical waste. More than 250 delegates, including policymakers, major medical colleges/hospitals, technocrats, NGOs, industries, and academia, attended the event.
NIIST is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (CSIR).