Manipur’s JNIMS Admits to Bio-Medical Waste Mismanagement, Vows Reforms

 Imphal, April 26, 2025 – The Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), a premier government-run medical college and hospital in Manipur, has acknowledged past lapses in the management of bio-medical waste, prompting widespread concern over public health and environmental safety. The admission follows an investigative report by Northeast Live, which exposed irregularities in the disposal of hazardous medical waste at the institute. JNIMS has pledged to implement corrective measures to address the issue, marking a critical step toward ensuring compliance with bio-medical waste regulations.

Bio-medical waste, which includes infectious materials like used syringes, bandages, and expired medicines, poses significant risks if not handled properly. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, India generates approximately 800 tons of bio-medical waste daily, with improper disposal linked to environmental pollution and health hazards, including the spread of infections like HIV and hepatitis. In Manipur, where healthcare infrastructure faces challenges amid ongoing socio-political tensions, the mismanagement at JNIMS has raised alarm bells.

The Northeast Live report, published on April 20, 2025, highlighted that JNIMS had failed to adhere to the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, which mandate segregation, treatment, and safe disposal of hazardous waste. Sources indicate that untreated waste was improperly stored, increasing the risk of contamination. The exposé sparked public outrage, with posts on X reflecting frustration over the state’s healthcare governance and calling for accountability.

In response, JNIMS issued a statement admitting to “past mismanagement” and outlined immediate steps to rectify the situation. These include upgrading waste treatment facilities, training staff on proper segregation protocols, and collaborating with certified waste disposal agencies. Dr. L. Deben, Director of JNIMS, emphasized the institute’s commitment to compliance, stating, “We take this matter seriously and are working to ensure that our waste management practices meet national standards.”

The issue comes at a time when Manipur’s healthcare system is under scrutiny. JNIMS, with its 576-bed capacity and 22 departments, serves as a critical healthcare provider in the state, recently making headlines for performing life-saving surgeries and kidney transplants. However, incidents like the bio-medical waste scandal underscore systemic challenges, including resource constraints and administrative oversight, exacerbated by the region’s volatile security situation.

Environmental activists and local residents have urged the Manipur government to conduct a broader audit of bio-medical waste management across all healthcare facilities. “This is not just about JNIMS. Every hospital in Manipur needs to be checked to prevent a public health crisis,” said Th. Romen, a local environmental advocate. Posts on X echoed similar sentiments, with users demanding transparency and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations.

The Manipur Health Department has yet to comment officially, but sources suggest that the state government is considering a task force to monitor bio-medical waste disposal statewide. Meanwhile, JNIMS’s proactive response has been cautiously welcomed, though stakeholders stress that sustained action will be key to restoring public trust.

As Northeast India grapples with balancing development and environmental stewardship, the JNIMS case serves as a wake-up call. With proper reforms, Manipur’s healthcare institutions can set a precedent for responsible waste management, ensuring a safer future for both the environment and its people.