Patna: Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), one of Bihar’s leading government healthcare institutions, has announced a complete ban on single-use plastic across its campus in a bid to improve sanitation and reduce environmental impact.
Hospital superintendent Dr Rajiv Kumar Singh said the use of plastic carry bags, disposable cups, plates, bottles and other single-use plastic materials will no longer be permitted within the premises. Authorities have directed staff and vendors to adopt environmentally friendly alternatives such as paper and cloth.
Singh said the decision was necessary not only for environmental protection but also to maintain cleanliness and safeguard patient health. With thousands of patients and attendants visiting the hospital daily, plastic waste had become a growing concern, placing additional pressure on the sanitation system.
He added that improper disposal of plastic waste could increase the risk of infection and contribute to pollution within the hospital environment.
The hospital administration has issued instructions to all department heads, employees and contractors to ensure strict compliance with the ban. Canteen operators and shopkeepers functioning within the campus have also been directed to discontinue the use of plastic items and switch to alternative materials.
Officials said awareness campaigns would be conducted across the campus to ensure effective implementation. Posters and banners will be displayed, and periodic inspections carried out to monitor adherence to the new rules.
According to the administration, the initiative is aimed at creating a cleaner, safer and more sustainable hospital environment for patients, visitors and staff.
