Knowledge and Practice of Bio Medical Waste Management in a tertiary Care teaching Hospital

Bio Medical Waste management has received highest priority in hospitals, after introduction of the act “Bio Medical waste management and Handling rules 1998” by The Ministry of Environment and Forest. 0.33 million tones of Bio medical waste is being generated annually in India². Hospital acquired infections are increasing due to improper waste management practice. A cross sectional study on knowledge and practice of Bio Medical waste management was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital from 1st June to 31^st august 2016. Interestingly the practice of Bio Medical waste management was good in spite of the knowledge levels not being up to the mark in lower cadre staff. Majority of the doctors, nurses and other paramedical staff have adequate knowledge on bio medical waste management. Except a few lower cadre staff, remaining health care personnel are well versed with universal work precautions. The practice of segregation, storage and transportation of biomedical waste was according to the prescribed guidelines.