HOSPITAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENT PROBLEMS IN INDIA

Abstract

This paper's primary goal is to provide an overview of India's hospital waste management and environmental issues. This study's goal is to examine the practises and compliances in the health care waste management system. The majority of nations, particularly emerging nations, are dealing with a dire predicament brought on by environmental contamination from pathological waste generated by growing populations and the ensuing rapid expansion of hospital units. More than 23,000 basic health facilities, more than 15,000 small and private hospitals, and around 6 lakh hospital beds are all present in India. Hospitals, clinics, and other medical and veterinary institutions are required by India's Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules 1998 to dispose of biomedical wastes rigorously in accordance with the regulations. Hospitals did not appropriately manage medical waste, according to the limited studies on the topic that have been done in India. The market revenue for hospital waste management in 2008 was 8% of India's overall waste management revenue; the predicted growth over the next five to six years is expected to be approximately 20%. While many institutions contribute to environmental pollution, hospitals, dispensaries, medicinal shops, and clinics run by doctors and other paramedical staff have recently come to the attention of environmentalists as an overlooked source of hospital waste pollution. In addition to preventing environmental contamination, safe handling, segregation, storage, destruction, and disposal of hospital waste assure mitigation and minimization of the health hazards associated with contact with the potentially hazardous material. Negligent handling of medical waste disposal can result in serious infections and pose a risk to the public, the environment, and those managing it. Recycling and waste reduction are still not widely promoted, which has substantial effects.