Репост из: Upsc DIAGRAMS ( Champions camp)
Stigma of HIV and birth of biomedical waste regulations” (THE Hindu on 29th Nov 2024 )
HIV epidemic and incidents like the “Syringe Tide” highlighted the hazards of improper biomedical waste disposal, prompting global and national reforms to safeguard public health and the environment.
Historical Background
1 HIV Epidemic (1983): Identification of HIV by Luc Montagnier and Robert Gallo triggered global fear and stigma, emphasizing the risks of medical waste.
2 Syringe Tide (1987): Beaches in the U.S. were polluted with medical waste, sparking public outrage and highlighting the need for regulatory action.
3 India’s Scenario: The first HIV case in India (1986) and lack of biomedical waste legislation exposed gaps in waste management.
Limitations in Biomedical Waste Management in India
“WASTE”:
W - Weak Enforcement and Compliance
• Poor adherence to segregation and disposal protocols, coupled with lax monitoring and enforcement, compromises waste management systems.
A - Awareness is Low
• Limited public and informal waste handler awareness about biomedical waste hazards leads to unsafe handling practices.
S - Safety Risks for Workers
• Insufficient training and lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) expose healthcare workers and waste handlers to occupational hazards.
T - Treatment Facility Inefficiencies
• Uneven distribution and overburdening of Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTFs) hinder effective waste disposal in certain areas.
E - Environmental Challenges from Infrastructure Gaps
• Inadequate infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote areas, results in unsafe biomedical waste disposal, harming the environment.
Way Ahead
“SMART”:
S - Strengthen Infrastructure in Rural Areas
• Establish additional Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTFs) in underserved regions to reduce unsafe disposal practices.
Example: Tamil Nadu’s CBWTF model effectively serves smaller healthcare units and can be replicated across the country.
M - Monitor and Ensure Accountability
• Implement real-time tracking systems using barcoding and GPS to ensure compliance and accountability.
Example: Kerala’s Integrated Biomedical Waste Management Monitoring System (IBMWMS) tracks waste from generation to disposal.
A - Advance Capacity Building and Safety
• Provide regular training for healthcare workers, ensure mandatory use of PPE, and immunize waste handlers to minimize occupational hazards.
Example: Mumbai’s municipal hospitals integrate safety training and PPE provision into their protocols.
R - Revolutionize with Technological Innovations
• Adopt eco-friendly technologies like plasma pyrolysis and waste-to-energy plants to treat non-recyclable biomedical waste.
Example: AIIMS, New Delhi, employs advanced autoclaving and disinfection methods to reduce environmental impact.
T - Teach and Involve the Public
• Conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public and informal waste handlers about biomedical waste risks and proper disposal methods.
Example: Expand the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to include biomedical waste awareness drives.
Join our - Editorial via Mnemonic
Pay at - onlycse@ybl ( 40/ per month )
Send Screenshot - @sociology300plus
HIV epidemic and incidents like the “Syringe Tide” highlighted the hazards of improper biomedical waste disposal, prompting global and national reforms to safeguard public health and the environment.
Historical Background
1 HIV Epidemic (1983): Identification of HIV by Luc Montagnier and Robert Gallo triggered global fear and stigma, emphasizing the risks of medical waste.
2 Syringe Tide (1987): Beaches in the U.S. were polluted with medical waste, sparking public outrage and highlighting the need for regulatory action.
3 India’s Scenario: The first HIV case in India (1986) and lack of biomedical waste legislation exposed gaps in waste management.
Limitations in Biomedical Waste Management in India
“WASTE”:
W - Weak Enforcement and Compliance
• Poor adherence to segregation and disposal protocols, coupled with lax monitoring and enforcement, compromises waste management systems.
A - Awareness is Low
• Limited public and informal waste handler awareness about biomedical waste hazards leads to unsafe handling practices.
S - Safety Risks for Workers
• Insufficient training and lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) expose healthcare workers and waste handlers to occupational hazards.
T - Treatment Facility Inefficiencies
• Uneven distribution and overburdening of Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTFs) hinder effective waste disposal in certain areas.
E - Environmental Challenges from Infrastructure Gaps
• Inadequate infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote areas, results in unsafe biomedical waste disposal, harming the environment.
Way Ahead
“SMART”:
S - Strengthen Infrastructure in Rural Areas
• Establish additional Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTFs) in underserved regions to reduce unsafe disposal practices.
Example: Tamil Nadu’s CBWTF model effectively serves smaller healthcare units and can be replicated across the country.
M - Monitor and Ensure Accountability
• Implement real-time tracking systems using barcoding and GPS to ensure compliance and accountability.
Example: Kerala’s Integrated Biomedical Waste Management Monitoring System (IBMWMS) tracks waste from generation to disposal.
A - Advance Capacity Building and Safety
• Provide regular training for healthcare workers, ensure mandatory use of PPE, and immunize waste handlers to minimize occupational hazards.
Example: Mumbai’s municipal hospitals integrate safety training and PPE provision into their protocols.
R - Revolutionize with Technological Innovations
• Adopt eco-friendly technologies like plasma pyrolysis and waste-to-energy plants to treat non-recyclable biomedical waste.
Example: AIIMS, New Delhi, employs advanced autoclaving and disinfection methods to reduce environmental impact.
T - Teach and Involve the Public
• Conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public and informal waste handlers about biomedical waste risks and proper disposal methods.
Example: Expand the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to include biomedical waste awareness drives.
Join our - Editorial via Mnemonic
Pay at - onlycse@ybl ( 40/ per month )
Send Screenshot - @sociology300plus