Government hospitals lack manpower to check use of plastics

Dr Dhanasekaran Krishnan, Deputy Medical Superintendent at Stanley medical College and Hospital said, “We have not yet started checking the public when they enter the institution owing to shortage in man power. Also, if there was a single-entry point, it would be easier. It is tough to keep a check on multiple entry points. 

However, we feel that this should be a people’s move more than a restriction which calls for fines. As of now we are indulging in sensitising those who come to their hospital.” At the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH), eateries and stalls were instructed to avoid using plastic spoons and plates.

“We have instructed canteens and eateries inside the campus to carry out the instructions. They have changed to biodegradable paper cups and we have instructed them to replace plates with palm leaves. However, with a huge footfall, it is a challenge to monitor the public and tell them to avoid carrying plastic bags,” a doctor in RGGGH said.

Stating that this is a period of behavioural change, Dr Santhosh Babu, member of the steering committee appointed by the government and Secretary, State Information Technology Department, said, “We are now focussing on the importance of behavioural change and we started this off with members of the government itself. We have instructed government offices to refrain from using

plastics. While we have started with the behavioural changes, we will later look into other alternatives.”

He said that the process of serious enforcement will only be initiated after the State-wide ban on plastics comes to play on January 1, 2019. ‘

“We cannot fine anyone now as need to first develop the habit of avoiding plastics. During meetings too, we have a policy of no plastics. We materialise this by letting officials know ‘what they should not bring to meetings’. Officials therefore avoid the usual plastic files, water bottles and cups. This is a conscious decision,” he stressed.

While the State is now focussing on behavioural changes, it will soon look at alternatives and then move into recycling. “The government is mulling on various options for the successful implementation of this ban,” he added.