A Case Study of Biomedical Waste Management in Hospitals


  •  K. Radha    
  •  K. Kalaivani    
  •  R. Lavanya    

Abstract

Biomedical waste management is receiving greater attention due to recent regulations of the Biomedical Wastes
(Management & Handling Rules, 1998). Inadequate management of biomedical waste can be associated with risks to
healthcare workers, patients, communities and their environment. The present study was conducted to assess the
quantities and proportions of different constituents of wastes, their handling, treatment and disposal methods in different
health-care settings. Various health care units were surveyed using a modified survey questionnaire for waste
management. This questionnaire was obtained from the World Health Organization (WHO), with the aim of assessing
the processing systems for biomedical waste disposal. Hazards associated with poor biomedical waste management and
shortcomings in the existing system were identified. The development of waste management policies, plans, and
protocols are recommended, in addition to establishing training programs on proper waste management for all
healthcare workers.


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