Title : Evaluation of biomedical waste management practices and compliance in a tertiary care oncology centre
Abstract:
Introduction: Biomedical waste generated in hospitals poses significant risks to healthcare workers, patients, caregivers, the community, and the environment. Therefore, adequate knowledge, training, and strict implementation of Biomedical Waste Management (BMWM) practices are essential. Continuous monitoring of BMWM processes, from waste generation to final disposal, is necessary to ensure compliance and safety.
Objective: To review the existing Biomedical Waste Management practices and assess compliance with the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 among healthcare workers in our hospital.
Methods: This observational study was conducted across 18 hospital facilities, including Wards, Daycare units, ICUs, Recovery wards, Operation Theatres, and Laboratories. Key parameters assessed included the availability of BMWM prerequisites, onsite waste segregation, transportation, storage, labelling, staff training, immunization status, documentation, and overall compliance practices. Descriptive statistics were used to present frequencies and percentages.
Results: The assessment covered 500 nursing staff and 223 housekeeping staff involved in handling and transporting biomedical waste. Most BMWM processes were adequately followed by all respondent groups, demonstrating a high level of compliance with the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016. Major non-compliances identified included transportation of infectious and non-infectious waste in a common transport bin and disposal of transfused blood bags in yellow bags without prior autoclaving. These issues were rectified immediately in accordance with BMWM Rules, 2016 and the latest National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) standards.
Minor deficiencies observed included a shortage of small yellow bags in 3 wards (16.66%) and improper fitting of colour-coded bags in 1.85% of bins. Overall, waste segregation practices were satisfactory; however, the condition of waste receptacles was found to be unsatisfactory in 45 out of 632 bins (7.12%). Unfavourable biomedical waste management practices were identified in 11 bins (1.74%). The majority of staff members were vaccinated against Hepatitis B, while a few newly recruited staff members were undergoing vaccination. Waste transportation and documentation practices were compliant with regulatory requirements. However, newly recruited staff demonstrated comparatively lower awareness regarding biomedical waste handling and spillage management than experienced staff.
Conclusion: Effective biomedical waste management requires interdisciplinary coordination, continuous training and education, commitment from healthcare workers, and regular monitoring. The study highlights both strengths and areas requiring improvement to ensure sustained compliance, safety, and adherence to biomedical waste management regulations.
