Feckless practices of bio medical waste management: a conundrum for developing countries

Abstract

Background: Biomedical waste poses hazard due to two principal reasons: infectivity and toxicity. 75-90% of waste produced by health care facilities is generally non risky but remaining 10-25% is regarded as hazardous with the potential for creating a variety of health problems. Biomedical waste management is an integral part of infection control practices. Virtuoso biomedical waste handling leads to a better environment for medical as well as surgical care patients.Methods: It is a descriptive forward moving study conducted to empower first year MBBS students about biomedical waste management and handling skills to enhance their expertise for future as a competent physician or surgeon and to assess their knowledge gain.Results: Out of 150 students, 131 were present. 68 were males and 63 were females. Mean age was 21.33 with standard deviation of 3.745. Mean marks obtained were 3.09±1.15 (out of 5). ANOVA statistics revealed insignificant p value denoting unambiguous pattern of knowledge gain by all the participants.Conclusions: Empowering medical undergraduates with basic medical skills at an early stage will make them more efficient for future endeavors.