Publication:

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

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.