Biomedical, Sharps and General Waste Disposal in India: Potential for the Spread of Contagious Diseases and Serious Environmental Contamination

Abstract

Biomedical waste, contaminated sharps, and general garbage disposal is a huge problem in many developing countries including India. There are different waste management rules in India for managing different kinds of waste. These rules were revised in 2016. However, the application and practice of handling different kinds of waste as per the rules are still inadequate. Mixing general and medical waste together for disposal accentuates the situation, especially as a significant threat for sharp or needle-stick injuries. India's waste production is huge and traditional management of these mixed and contaminated wastes is a serious public and population health issue. It is also creating massive environmental concerns. Adequate hospital or biomedical waste management policy enforcement, strong public health promotional research and media campaigns, safe practice and personal hygiene education via social and mass media may alleviate the spread of serious contagious diseases. India has a high social media utilization and excellent wireless and broadband coverage. These can be used as an educational or health promotional tools to keep the public away from contagious diseases. In addition to enforcement of practicing waste management rules or guidelines, a global public health campaign on many levels is urgently required to ensure India is able to contain potential pandemics of blood borne conditions due to poor medical waste disposal practices.