Biomedical Waste Management in Hospitals

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.

Keywords: Biomedical waste, Waste disposal, Waste management, Infectious waste, Segregation, Health care unit, Regulation, Hazard

Cite this Article: Misba Khan. Biomedical Waste Management in Hospitals. International Journal of Biomedical Engineering. 2019; 5(1) 1–6p.