Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Bio Medical Waste Management among Healthcare and Sanitary Personnel in Haryana

Abstract

Safe and sustainable sanitation is necessary for human health and productivity. Human civilization is linked to waste creation. Municipal solid waste, hazardous waste, sewage, sludge, bio medical waste, agricultural and industrial waste, and commercial waste are all examples of waste. High-polluting industries, hospitals, medical centres, and nursing homes are the principal sources of hazardous waste. However, the management of biomedical waste has become a major challenge in the 21st century due to the rapid development of medical and health care facilities, the increase in the world's population, and the corresponding rise in consumption. Because biomedical waste has the potential to seriously harm both the environment and human life, it warrants special care. Worldwide, the production of biomedical waste is becoming more and more significant, particularly in poorer nations. Regulations governing the handling of biomedical waste have a significant impact on how governments, businesses, and communities behave globally. They offer the legal framework for the collection, appropriate separation, processing, treatment, and environmentally responsible disposal of biomedical wastes. However, there can be significant differences between nations in the way these laws are drafted, applied, and modified. There is a significant risk of infection and injury from biomedical waste. There could be serious consequences for public health from improper garbage management. The environment and human health are at risk when biomedical waste management is not understood.  On March 28, 2016, the Government of India issued the Biomedical Waste Management Rule, 2016, in exercise of the authority granted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to manage the biomedical waste generated. Treatment and disposal of biomedical waste through Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTFs) is necessary as per BMWM Rules, 2016. Against this backdrop, present paper purports to examine knowledge, attitude and practices of biomedical waste management among health care and sanitation personnel in selected districts of Haryana. The paper is based mainly on primary data.