Hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers in Rajshahi lack effective systems to treat liquid medical waste, with untreated effluent being discharged into city drains and raising serious concerns over public health and environmental pollution.
According to the Rajshahi Civil Surgeon’s Office, 216 hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers operate in the district. However, Department of Environment (DoE) data show that only two have functional effluent treatment plants (ETPs) for treating liquid medical waste.
A visit to Laxmipur, the city’s major healthcare hub, found that healthcare facilities generate large quantities of liquid and solid medical waste every day. The liquid waste can include blood, bodily fluids, chemicals, and infectious materials that require treatment before disposal.
Instead, many facilities reportedly discharge untreated liquid waste through sewerage and drainage lines because of inadequate treatment systems. Almost all major diagnostic centers in the city are reportedly releasing liquid waste into drains. The waste then flows through drains and canals into different parts of Paba upazila.
Several drains in Rajshahi city eventually empty into the Barnai River, meaning untreated medical waste entering the city’s drainage network can ultimately reach the river and contribute to water pollution.
Residents said medical waste, including blood-soaked cotton, gauze, and other materials, is frequently found floating in local drains.
Abdus Salam, a resident of Paba, said waste creates a foul smell and poses a physical hazard. “Sometimes we have to walk through the drain water. Syringes, wires and glass bottles can cut our feet, after which we suffer from itching and wounds,” he said.
Another resident, Morzina Begum, said contact with contaminated drain water often causes itching and sores.
Experts warned that liquid medical waste can be more hazardous than ordinary waste as it may contain infectious pathogens and harmful chemicals. If released untreated, it can contaminate soil and water, spread infections, and damage aquatic ecosystems.
Dr Md Mizanur Rahman, head of the Department of Virology at Rajshahi Medical College, said hospital liquid waste could contain various pathogens. “Releasing such waste untreated into the environment creates a risk of spreading infectious agents and increases the possibility of infections,” he said.
Mostafizur Rahman, president of the Rajshahi Private Clinics and Diagnostic Centers Association, acknowledged the shortcomings in liquid waste management. “Many facilities operate from rented buildings, so installing ETPs is difficult. If we are given time, we will install them,” he said.
DoE Deputy Director Tashmina Khatun said action was being taken against institutions violating environmental clearance and waste management rules. “Relevant institutions have been instructed to establish treatment facilities. If they fail to comply, we will conduct drives against them,” she said.
She added that four institutions, including Rajshahi Medical College, had been served notices this year to install liquid waste treatment facilities.
Rajshahi Civil Surgeon Dr SIM Raziul Karim said healthcare institutions must comply with waste management rules, warning that improper disposal of medical waste could pose a serious threat to public health.
