Biomedical Waste Management: A Detailed Analysis
- IJLLR Journal
- 1 hour ago
- 1 min read
Sreya Sree. M, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai
Dr. Arun. D. Raj, Faculty, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai
ABSTRACT
Despite challenges emerging from rapid urbanization, growing healthcare infrastructure, and increased waste generation coupled with poor disposal systems, biomedical waste (BMW) management in India continues to be a matter of concern. Inadequate disposal of such waste has significant environmental and public health consequences. As the COVID-19 spread, it put additional pressure on the system with infectious waste such as masks, gloves and syringes from vaccines in need of proper disposal. This article studies the framework related to biomedical waste in India focusing on the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, and its amendments. The paper also analyzes important judicial interventions by the Supreme Court of India, High Courts and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to ensure compliance. About 774tons of BMW are generated across the India each day, with hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers contributing the most. While the disposal of biomedical waste through Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTFs) is mandated by regulatory agencies, systemic inefficiencies continues to exist, in the form of non-compliance in rural areas, unsafe handling of waste by waste pickers and inadequate infrastructure.
These issues, when addressed, play a significant role in mitigating public health risks, environmental contamination, occupational hazards and promoting community health, ensuring that India achieves its optimum output in sustainable waste management. This article offers certain recommendations on potential policies to achieve sustainable management of biomedical waste during health emergencies.
Keywords: Biomedical waste, Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities, COVID-19
