Biomedical waste management in nursing homes and smaller hospitals in Delhi.
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.
Verma
Lalji K
LK
Indian Society of Hospital Waste Management (ISHWM), Scientific Society, 253 AFNO Enclave, Plot-11, Sector-7, Dwarka, New Delhi 110 075, India. laljeeverma@vsnl.net
Mani
Shyamala
S
Sinha
Nitu
N
Rana
Sunita
S
D004203:Disinfection; D006739:Hospital Administration; D006761:Hospitals / Q000592:standards*; D007194:India; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal / Q000379:methods*; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012499:Sanitation
D017744:Medical Waste Disposal