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Volume 6 Issue 11 (November, 2018)

Review Articles

Management of Biomedical Waste: Knowledge and Awareness Lacunae
Manpreet Kaur Kang, Ravnet Kaur Randhawa

Background: Biomedical Waste is perilous leading to many infections and thus its management is obligatory. Health care waste, due to its content of hazardous substances, poses serious threats to personal and environmental health. Undergraduate students and interns hold a strong responsibility for better future and thus should be cognizant about safe waste disposal and isolation practices. The present study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and awareness about biomedical waste management in undergraduate students (final year) and interns. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire based on knowledge and awareness of bio-medical waste management policy and practice were given to a total of 100 students (50 final year undergraduate students and 50 interns). Results: Out of 100 undergraduate students and interns 68 were girls and 32 were boys. 43% knew correct definition of biomedical waste. 75% had correct knowledge about sources and definition of biomedical waste and 58% had knowledge of occupational hazards because of insufficient waste disposal. 42% were aware of immunization protocol and 43% about authorization principles of waste management. Conclusions: Information concerning the BMW management practices in the undergraduate and intern of institution was satisfactory. But, there is a need for meticulous training program for both undergraduates and interns as they hold the individual responsibility as health care professionals to maintain healthy self and surroundings. Constant monitoring and implementation of awareness programs is needed. Key words: Biomedical waste, Hospital waste, waste management.

 
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