Andhra Pradesh Orders ₹83 Crore Overhaul of Hospital Sewage and Waste Systems

Infrastructure Deficits in Teaching and District Facilities

During a high-level review on July 25, 2026, Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav identified significant infrastructure gaps in the state's medical network. While two secondary facilities in Nuzvid and Banaganapalle currently operate sewage treatment plants (STPs), 17 out of 40 teaching and super-specialty hospitals lack these systems. To rectify these sanitation failures, the ministry has greenlit an ₹83 crore expenditure plan designed to install STPs across 17 teaching hospitals, 54 area hospitals, and nine district hospitals within a strict ten-month deadline.

Stricter Protocols for Biomedical Waste Management

The state's Government General Hospitals currently generate approximately 13 lakh kg of biomedical waste annually, with each bed contributing an average of 400 grams per day. Minister Yadav criticized current disposal practices, demanding total alignment with national regulations. To ensure compliance, the Health Department will implement the following measures:

• Mandatory segregation and disposal of all hazardous materials according to official guidelines.
• Installation of CCTV cameras to monitor the entire waste handling process.
• Introduction of barcode tracking systems to maintain a transparent chain of custody for all materials.

New Directives for Hospital Access

Beyond environmental concerns, the Minister addressed operational inefficiencies resulting from overcrowding. The Health Department will now enforce strict visiting windows for intensive care units and general wards. Limiting foot traffic is intended to improve patient care standards and hygiene control within high-risk clinical environments.

Source: The Hindu — News