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Published on: April 6, 2019

Biomedical waste generation in Puducherry Government General Hospital and its management implications

U Jagadeesh Chandira Boss, G Poyya Moli, Goutam Roy

    Journal of Environmental Health
    |May 21, 2009
    PubMed

    Insights

    Biomedical waste management in India is poor, with inadequate segregation, treatment, and disposal practices at a government hospital in Puducherry. Improved training and standards are urgently needed for safe handling of infectious waste.

    Area of Science:

    • Environmental Science
    • Public Health
    • Healthcare Management

    Background:

    • Biomedical waste (BMW) management in India receives insufficient attention.
    • Effective BMW management is crucial for public health and environmental safety.
    • Government General Hospital (GH) in Puducherry, India, was selected for this study.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To describe the current practices of biomedical waste collection and disposal at GH, Puducherry.
    • To identify deficiencies in BMW management protocols and implementation.
    • To provide recommendations for improving BMW handling in Indian healthcare facilities.

    Main Methods:

    • Documenting BMW collection and segregation procedures.
    • Assessing BMW treatment, transportation, and final disposal methods.
    • Evaluating personnel training, availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), and knowledge of its use.

    Main Results:

    • Failure to segregate infectious and non-infectious BMW, violating prescribed rules.
    • Improper treatment, transportation, and co-disposal of BMW with municipal garbage.
    • Inadequate personnel training, insufficient PPE, and a lack of knowledge on proper equipment usage.

    Conclusions:

    • Significant gaps exist in the current biomedical waste management system at GH, Puducherry.
    • Establishment of clear standards and regular monitoring are essential.
    • Effective training programs for healthcare personnel are critical for safe BMW handling.

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