Study of Biomedical Waste Generation and Management for Public and Private Sector Hospitals

Abstract

Waste generated during diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human being or animals is called as ‘Biomedical Waste’. In healthcare settings, management of healthcare waste is integral part of infection control and hygiene programs. These settings are a major contributor to community-acquired infection, as they produce large amounts of biomedical waste. Biomedical waste management is the word used for complete scenario comprising of segregation, collection, transportation and finally the disposal of the waste. The Bio Medical Waste Management is a typical process which requires a crucial examination at every point so that the waste is properly disposed off and thereby does not pose a threat to the environment. Biomedical waste can be categorized based on the risk of causing injury and/or infection during handling and disposal. Wastes that require precautions during handling and disposal include sharps (needles or scalpel blades), pathological wastes (anatomical body parts, microbiology cultures and blood samples) and infectious wastes (items contaminated with body fluids and discharges such as dressing, catheters and I.V. lines) Other wastes which are generated in healthcare settings include radioactive wastes, mercury containing instruments and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics. The management of biomedical waste is still developing all over the world. There is a lack of appropriate knowledge among the generators, operators, decision-makers and the general community about the safe management of bio-medical waste. In 1980’s in United States a huge chaos was raised by people about hospital waste hovering around and children playing around thus the management of biomedical waste became an issue of concern. The US Medical Waste – Tracking act of 1988 was enacted and enforced on November 1, 1988. A huge outburst against various agencies by public was observed to put pressure on Government of India to enact appropriate laws in country against various practices of disposal of biomedical waste. The Ministry of Environment and Forest of Government of India has enacted Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) rules which became effective from 20 July 1998, the rules have six schedules which ensure proper management of biomedical waste in the country.