title: Healthcare waste management in Asia.
abstract: The risks associated with healthcare waste and its management has gained attention across the world in various events, local and international forums and summits. However, the need for proper healthcare waste management has been gaining recognition slowly due to the substantial disease burdens associated with poor practices, including exposure to infectious agents and toxic substances. Despite the magnitude of the problem, practices, capacities and policies in many countries in dealing with healthcare waste disposal, especially developing nations, is inadequate and requires intensification. This paper looks upon aspects to drive improvements to the existing healthcare waste management situation. The paper places recommendation based on a 12 country study reflecting the current status. The paper does not advocate for any complex technology but calls for changes in mindset of all concerned stakeholders and identifies five important aspects for serious consideration. Understanding the role of governments and healthcare facilities, the paper also outlines three key areas for prioritized action for both parties - budget support, developing policies and legislation and technology and knowledge management.
authors.affiliation: Environmental Engineering and Management Program, School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, Pathumthani, Thailand.
authors.forename: A Prem
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Ananth
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Prashanthini
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Visvanathan
mesh_terms: D001208:Asia; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D003906:Developing Countries; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D006256:Hazardous Waste; D006268:Health Facilities; D006801:Humans; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*; D011640:Public Policy; D012037:Refuse Disposal / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D006256:Hazardous Waste; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal