Government medical colleges to go plastic-free

Even though the penalty for not complying has not been decided yet, hospitals in the city claimed that they are going to implement the ban strictly. “We are going to pass on the notice as clearly as possible to those who come to the hospital and ensure that plastic is not used at all from now on,” said a doctor at the Stanley Medical College and Hospital.

Stating that they had implemented it over a month ago, on World Environment Day, Dr R Jayanthi, dean of Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH), said, “We have declared the hospital and college campuses as plastic free zones.

Since the day we decided to implement the ban, we have been instructing the eateries and cafeterias on the campus to avoid using single use plastics and to replace them with banana leaves and foils and traditional tumblers or paper cups (which we have instructed them to use only in the case of cold beverages).” She said that plastic carry bags have also been banned.

“We are trying to look for mud pots. Besides, we heard that in Coimbatore, cups made from sugarcane bagasse are also available. We are trying to source that,” the dean said. She added that they have been conducting checks on the roadside stalls that run outside the hospital premises as well, to ensure that they too avoid selling plastic items.

With the college students running an Eco Club, the college will be able to keep a better check on the use of plastics too.

“We are also going to play this announcement on the public-address system at the hospital from Tuesday to spread the message,” said Jayanthi.

“While we can impose a penalty on eateries, we cannot take strict action against patients. But, we will continue to advise them,” she added.