Management of Biomedical Waste: An Overview of a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in India

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Waste is an inevitable result of health-care services that may pose a health risk. Health-care waste comprises of general, infectious, and chemical/radioactive waste. Preventing the spread of infection to health-care personnel, patients, attendants, and the community at large is the ultimate objective of biomedical waste management (BMWM). Materials and Methods: It was a descriptive study which explored available resources, considering physical facilities, equipment, and human resources. All the personnel engaged in the management of BMW were included with focus on their training and vaccination status. The workflow process for BMWM was documented. In addition, the quantities of Yellow, Red, Blue, and White Waste generated were recorded. BMW generated per bed per day was calculated for each category and also overall waste collected was calculated. Results: The hospital’s comprehensive waste management plan encompasses seven defined routes, ensuring coverage of the entire facility. The BMW produced during a month range from 32,201 to 44,390 kg with a total of 465,392 kg/year. The mean BMW generated was 38,782.67 kg and the average BMW generated per day was 1271.25 kg. BMW generated per bed per day came out to be 0.33 kg. Conclusion: Every employee involved in the management of BMW was vaccinated for Hepatitis B and Tetanus toxoid. Sixty-eight percent of the workforce involved in BMWM underwent regular BMW refresher training. The remaining 32% received BMW training at the commencement of their roles but did not undergo refresher training. Regularly refresher training sessions on BMWM should be conducted, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records.