Bio-Medical Waste In India: Challenges, Government/International Initiatives

Explore the challenges of biomedical waste management in India, government initiatives, international conventions, and solutions for sustainable healthcare practices.

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Biomedical waste refers to human and animal anatomical waste, as well as treatment apparatus such as needles, syringes, and other materials utilized in healthcare facilities during treatment and research.

  • India generates around 700 TPD of biomedical waste approximately and about 90% is treated, despite the combined treatment capacity available being 1,590 TPD. 20 states in India are still using captive treatment measures and deep pit burials for disposal. 

Challenges Associated With Bio-Medical Waste: Non-Segregation, Increase in Waste

  • Non-Segregation: The non-segregation of waste results in the incineration of contaminated plastics producing toxic gases and adding to air pollution.
  • Increase in Waste: The rise in residential biomedical waste and its collection without adhering to safety protocols could also trigger a surge in caseload.

Bio-Medical Waste

  • Health of Workers Associated: Without proper scientific management of such waste, it can potentially affect patients and can affect the concerned workers and professionals.
  • Municipal Workers at Risk: Many municipal workers have been infected and some have died, likely due to contact with contaminated waste.
  • Issue with the Waste Management Rules: Existing legal provisions are designed for hospital-generated biomedical waste, with no guidelines for managing such waste at home or in non-hospital settings.

 

WAY FORWARD

  • Collecting and Categorizing the Waste: After segregation, the waste is collected and categorized into appropriate bins. Different colored bins are used to indicate specific types of waste, aiding in efficient identification and disposal.
  • Storing the Waste: Proper storage of BMW is essential to avoid health hazards. Waste must be stored in designated containers for limited periods – less than 8-10 hours in hospitals with around 250 beds and up to 24 hours in nursing homes. 
  • Regulatory Compliance: BMW management must adhere to specific regulations, such as Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 of the BMW (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998.
  • Prevention of Waste Reuse: Segregation and proper disposal practices help prevent the reuse of potentially dangerous items like syringes and needles, thus protecting public health and safety.
  • Recycling Goals: Effective BMW management also supports recycling efforts. By segregating plastic and metal waste, recycling processes are facilitated, contributing to environmental sustainability.

 

GOVERNMENT/INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES

  • Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTF): It’s a set up where bio-medical waste, generated from a number of healthcare units, is imparted necessary treatment to reduce adverse effects that this waste may pose.
  • Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016: The purpose of these rules is to ensure the effective management of daily bio-medical waste generated by Healthcare Facilities (HCFs) nationwide.
  • Bio-Medical Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018: To improve compliance and strengthen the implementation of environmentally sound management of biomedical waste in India.
  • The amended rules stipulate that generators of bio-medical waste such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and dispensaries etc will not use chlorinated plastic bags and gloves beyond March 27, 2019 in medical applications to save the environment.
  • Basel Convention: To protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects resulting from the generation, management, transboundary movements and disposal of hazardous and other wastes.

Bio-Medical Waste

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