Biomedical waste management in nursing homes and smaller hospitals in Delhi

Waste Manag. 2008 Dec;28(12):2723-34. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2007.12.013. Epub 2008 Mar 20.

Abstract

The management of biomedical waste is a crucial issue in health and environmental management. Rules in India were promulgated in 1998, originally with a deadline of December 2000 and extended to December 2002; however, the actual situation remains far from satisfactory. A study conducted in 2001 by CEE, New Delhi; indicated an implementation deficit. To gauge the present situation, a survey was undertaken during 2005-2006. A systematic analysis of current biomedical waste management practices in smaller nursing homes and hospitals in Delhi was carried out. A total of 53 nursing homes, with bed strengths ranging from 20 to over 200, were included. The survey results show that there is a marked improvement in the segregation practices of biomedical waste in small private hospitals and nursing homes. The majority of nursing homes and hospitals were found to be using a service provider for the collection, management, and disposal of healthcare wastes. Data was collected through a questionnaire and field visits. This paper discusses the relevant data indicative of current practices of healthcare waste management in the nursing homes and small healthcare facilities in Delhi.

MeSH terms

  • Disinfection
  • Hospital Administration*
  • Hospitals / standards*
  • India
  • Medical Waste Disposal / methods*
  • Nursing Homes / organization & administration*
  • Sanitation

Substances

  • Medical Waste Disposal