A Review - An Emerging issue of Biomedical Waste Management System in Hospitals

Dr.Pushpendra Singh; Dr.Shraddha Singh

Volume : V, Issue : V, May - 2016

A Review - An Emerging issue of Biomedical Waste Management System in Hospitals

Dr. Pushpendra Singh, Dr. Shraddha Singh

Abstract :

Medical care is vital for our life and health. All human activities produce waste. We all know that such waste may be dangerous and needs safe disposal. HCWM (Health care waste management) is first of all a management issue before being a technical one and therefore completely depend on the commitment of the entire staff within HCFs. This dedication will only be possible if people are first of all properly trained and made aware of the risks that this particular type of waste poses. Industrial waste, sewage and agricultural waste pollute water, soil and air. It can also be dangerous to human beings and environment. Similarly, hospitals and other health care facilities generate lots of waste which can transmit infections, particularly HIV, Hepatitis B & C and Tetanus, to the people who handle it or come in contact with it. India generates around three million tonnes of medical wastes every year and the amount is expected to grow at eight per cent annually. According to Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998 of India �Any waste which is generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals or in research activities pertaining thereto or in the production or testing of biological. Biomedical waste poses hazard due to two principal reasons – the first is infectivity and other toxicity. CONCLUSION : Medical wastes should be classified according to their source, typology and risk factors associated with their handling, storage and ultimate disposal. The segregation of waste at source is the key step and reduction, reuse and recycling should be considered in proper perspectives. We need to consider innovative and radical measures to clean up the distressing picture of lack of civic concern on the part of hospitals and slackness in government implementation of bare minimum of rules, as waste generation particularly biomedical waste imposes increasing direct and indirect costs on society. The challenge before us, therefore, is to scientifically manage growing quantities of biomedical waste that go beyond past practices. If we want to protect our environment and health of community we must sensitize our selves to this important issue not only in the interest of health managers but also in the interest of communit.