Hyderabad: Private hospitals in Telangana have approached the High Court against the state’s new bio-medical waste fee system, alleging it unfairly burdens bedded healthcare facilities while sparing non-bedded institutions.
High Court Issues Notices to Authorities
A division bench comprising Justices Abhinand Kumar Shavili and Vakiti Ramakrishna Reddy directed the state and central governments, the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB), and the Central Pollution Control Board to respond to the plea filed by hospitals and doctors’ associations.
Circular of June 4 Under Challenge
The petition, moved by the Telangana Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association along with over 400 member doctors, contests a TGPCB circular dated June 4, 2025. The circular mandates that hospitals and nursing homes pay bio-medical waste fees on a “per bed, per day” basis, irrespective of actual waste generated.
Burden on Hospitals with Low Occupancy
Under the system, hospitals must pay fees for all sanctioned beds even if patient admissions are low. In contrast, non-bedded facilities such as clinics, diagnostic centres, and laboratories are charged based only on the weight of waste generated.
Argument of Discrimination
Counsel for the petitioners, Vedula Srinivas, argued that the system is arbitrary and discriminatory, violating Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law. He emphasised that hospitals with low or partial occupancy face a disproportionate financial burden under the current rules.
National Guidelines Also Questioned
The petitioners further challenged the national bio-medical waste management guidelines, claiming they permit unequal charging by treating large facilities differently from smaller ones. They demanded a uniform fee structure where every institution is billed strictly in proportion to the waste it produces.
Relief Sought from Court
The petitioners urged the court to suspend the June 4 circular and direct authorities to adopt a fairer system of charges, arguing that the current framework not only increases costs but also discourages healthcare providers from expanding bed capacity.
Next Hearing on October 28
After hearing initial arguments, the bench allowed petitioners to personally serve notices to all respondents. The matter will now be taken up for further hearing on October 28, when the state and central authorities are expected to file their replies.
