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Home / IAS Preparation / Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2016

Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2016 - History, Objectives, Features, & Provisions

Last Updated on Feb 12, 2024
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The Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 (BMWM Rules) are a set of regulations that govern the management of biomedical waste in India. These rules were notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in 2016. It came into force on 31st December 2016. Biomedical waste includes anatomical waste from humans and animals, as well as medical equipment such as needles, syringes, and other materials utilized in healthcare facilities for treatment and research purposes. This type of waste is produced during various medical activities such as diagnosis, treatment, and immunization in places like hospitals, nursing homes, pathological laboratories, and blood banks. The total generation of biomedical waste in the country amounts to 484 tons per day from 168,869 healthcare facilities, with 447 tons per day being subjected to proper treatment.

In this article, let us look at the Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2016 upsc, its background, features, objectives, amendments & the importance of biomedical waste management and the challenges as required for the UPSC Examination since the topic is important from the context of the Environment section which is a part of UPSC mains GS 3 paper and prelims GS paper 1.

What is Biomedical waste?

Any waste that contains potentially infectious elements and is created during the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human or animal research is referred to as biomedical waste (BMW). Syringes, old bandages, infusion kits, and other items having a medical or laboratory origin are included, as are garbage from research laboratories that include biomolecules or organisms that are primarily prohibited from being released into the environment.

Latest Update on Biomedical Waste Management

  • According to data gathered by CPCB using the BWM App, up to May 10, 2021, the nation produced about 45,954 tonnes of COVID-19 waste. Since the pandemic’s initial wave, 126 tonnes of COVID-19 trash have been produced per day, accounting for roughly 20% of the 614 tonnes of biomedical waste that the nation produces every day.
  •  22 of the 35 states and Union Territories produce more biomedical waste than they can handle, according to a detailed review of the CPCB’s January and May 2021 reports.
  • When India saw the highest number of new COVID cases in May 2021, COVID-19 constituted 33% of the biomedical waste produced nationwide.

Check out the linked article to download the notes on Hazardous Substances for UPSC!

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Background on Biomedical Waste Management Rules
  • Health care facilities and other types of laboratories produce a variety of wastes, including biomedical or infectious waste, which can result in a number of health issues as well as environmental risks.
  • The Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998, were released by the Government of India in 1998 to provide guidelines and rules for the effective collection, handling, and disposal of these wastes in order to protect the environment.
  • As effective management is essential for a cleaner and greener environment, these regulations are routinely inspected, changed, and updated.
  • In order to strengthen the collection, separation, treatment, and disposal facilities of these biomedical wastes generated by hospitals and laboratories and lessen environmental pollution, the Government of India opted to release a new set of regulations in 2016 under the name Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, superseding the previous one with numerous modifications and additions.

Know more about the Medical Council of India!

Objectives of Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2016
  • These regulations’ primary goal is to enhance the management of biomedical waste based on the 3Rs principle, which stands for reduce, recycle, and reuse. It tries to segregate the trash, recover or reuse it to the greatest extent possible, and prevent disposal.
  • Instead of employing the “end of pipe method,” these guidelines seek to address wastes at their source or point of origin.
  • These recommendations primarily concentrate on the implementation and enforcement of laws and rules for the benefit of both the environment and people.
  • The training provided to employees, health checkups, immunizations, and workplace safety for the workers are crucial components of the guidelines.
  • It seeks to stop the burning of biomedical wastes from emitting dioxin and furans.
  • It focuses on minimizing pilferage on the path from the handling of biomedical waste to the disposal site.

Features of Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2016

Here are the features of the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 (BMWM Rules):

  • The BMWM Rules classify biomedical waste into seven categories:
    • Human anatomical waste
    • Animal waste
    • Sharps waste
    • Chemical waste
    • Radioactive waste
    • Incinerator ash
    • Other waste
  • The BMW Rules 2016 require all biomedical waste to be labeled with the appropriate hazard class. 
  • The BMWM Rules require that biomedical waste be stored in a secure manner. 
  • A licensed waste collector should collect biomedical waste.
  • Biomedical waste should be disposed off in a safe and environmentally sound manner. 
  • Biomedical waste facilities need to be inspected and monitored by the authorities. 
  • All healthcare facilities have to generate a Biomedical Waste Management Plan (BMWMP). This plan should outline the steps that the facility will take to manage its biomedical waste.
  • All healthcare facilities need to choose a Biomedical Waste Management Officer (BMWMO). This officer is responsible for implementing the BMWMP. He has to ensure that the facility is complying with the BMWM Rules.
  • The rules also set out many penalties for non-compliance. These penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or the closure of the facility.

Provisions Under Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2016

The Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, govern the management and handling of biomedical waste in India. Some key provisions under these rules include:

  • The rules mandate the segregation of biomedical waste into separate categories. This includes general waste, hazardous waste, and biotechnological waste. Proper segregation as per prescribed color codes is required.
  • All persons handling biomedical waste have to get authorization from the prescribed authorities.
  • The rules prescribe standards for on-site and off-site treatment and disposal of different categories of biomedical waste. 
  • The rules mandate the barcoding and tracking of all biomedical waste. This ensures safe transportation to final treatment sites.
  • The rules specify the duties of health workers in the safe handling of biomedical waste.
  • The rules prescribe penalties for violating provisions related to the disposal of biomedical waste.
  • The rules specify the duties of local authorities in monitoring biomedical waste management.
  • The rules mandate the setting up of state-level monitoring committees. 

Check out the linked article to download the notes on Electronic Waste for UPSC!

Amendments in Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016

Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 Rules have been revised to increase compliance and reinforce the execution of environmentally sound management of biomedical waste in India. 

Bio-Medical Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018

Lets discuss the salient features of Bio-Medical Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018, in detail.

  • By March 27, 2019, all organisations that produce biomedical waste, such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, dispensaries, veterinary clinics, animal shelters, pathological labs, blood banks, healthcare facilities, and clinical establishments, must phase out chlorinated plastic bags (excluding blood bags) and gloves.
  • All healthcare facilities must post the yearly report online within two years from the date the Biomedical Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018, were published.
  • By March 27, 2019, owners of facilities for the treatment and disposal of common biomedical waste must use bar coding and global positioning systems for the handling of biomedical waste in compliance with directives issued by the Central Pollution Control Board.
  • The CPCB looks out for specific information on how much biomedical waste is produced in each district, as well as details on healthcare facilities that have their own captive treatment facilities and common biomedical waste treatment and disposal facilities.
  • Before forwarding the information to the CPCB, it must first be collated, examined, and evaluated by the State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees.
  • Before sending laboratory waste, microbiological waste, blood samples, and blood bags to the Common-medical waste treatment facility, every occupier, or person with control and authority over the institution and the premises producing biomedical waste, is required to pre-treat them in accordance with WHO guidelines.

Check out the linked article to download the notes on the National Health Policy for UPSC!

Biomedical waste Management Color Coding

The bio-medical wastes have been divided into the following four categories to make waste segregation easier.

Biomedical Waste Management Color Coding

Color Code

Wastes Included

Yellow

Human and animal anatomical waste

soiled waste

discarded waste

chemical waste

chemical liquid waste

discarded linen mattresses

beddings tainted with blood or body fluid

microbiology, biotechnology and other clinical laboratory waste

Red

Items that can be recycled include bottles, intravenous tubes, gloves, urine bags, and syringes.

White (Translucent)

discarded and contaminated metal needles

Blue

broken glass and metallic body implants

Importance of Biomedical Waste Management

The importance of proper biomedical waste management can be summarized as follows:

  • Effective management of biomedical waste is essential to prevent the spread of diseases.
  • Strict adherence to waste management protocols reduces the risk of health hazards for those who handle biomedical waste.
  • Improper dumping of biomedical waste contaminates soil and water resources. Proper waste management prevents environmental pollution.
  • Collection and disposal of waste as per protocols help maintain hygiene in hospitals. This is critical for patient care.
  • Scientific management of biomedical waste can reduce operating costs for healthcare facilities.

Check out the linked article to download the notes on Polluters Pay for UPSC!

Challenges in Managing the Biomedical Wastes

Here are some of the challenges in managing biomedical waste:

  • There is a lack of awareness among the general public and healthcare workers about the dangers of biomedical waste. This can lead to improper handling and disposal. This can pose a health risk to humans and the environment.
  • Many countries lack the adequate infrastructure to manage biomedical waste safely. 
  • The cost of managing biomedical waste can be high. This can be a barrier to proper waste management, especially in developing countries.
  • The regulations governing biomedical waste management can be complex. This can make it difficult to follow the regulations. This can lead to illegal dumping of biomedical waste.
  • There is often a lack of political will to address the problem of biomedical waste management. This can be due to many factors, such as the cost of implementing solutions and the lack of public awareness.

Check out the linked article to download the notes on Health Issues for UPSC!

Suggestions and the Way Forward
  • BMW management should be a collaborative effort with strong legislative support, dedicated government backing, and good BMW management practices adhered to by both healthcare professionals and HCFs.
  • More non-PVC medical equipment should also be used, and eco-friendly new BMW disposal methods should be promoted.
  • The generated biomedical waste must be carefully collected, handled, and gasified or burned rather than being permitted to enter aquatic bodies.
  • Nature should be preserved along with regulating the biomedical waste that is produced. The garbage must be handled carefully to prevent contributing to climate change or causing other harm.
  • To make sure that no data is missing and no incorrect data is transmitted to the CPCB, the state agencies in charge of giving the data to higher authorities must play a significant role.
  • The general public needs to be informed of the color codings used for waste segregation since they indicate the degree of risk associated with each type of biomedical waste.
  • To reduce infections, people must adhere to the SOPs developed by numerous health organizations, in addition to the WHO.
  • The CPCB should release SOPs for handling biomedical waste in residential areas for both rural and urban communities.

We hope your doubts regarding the Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2016 would have been addressed after going through this article. Testbook provides good quality preparation material for various competitive examinations. Ace your preparations for the UPSC IAS exam by downloading the Testbook App now!

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Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2016 FAQs

It is prohibited to mix bio-medical waste with other types of trash.Before being stored, transported, treated, or disposed of, bio-medical waste must be separated into containers or bags at the place of generation in compliance with Schedule II.The containers must bear labels that follow Schedule III.

Hospitals, healthcare facilities, labs and research facilities, blood banks and collection services, autopsy facilities and animal research and testing facilities are the main contributors of medical waste.

The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 authorized the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) of the Indian Government to establish the Bio-medical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1998.

Any waste that contains infectious substances is considered biomedical waste or hospital waste. It comprises trash produced by a hospital or laboratory.

Chemical Disinfection, Incineration, Inertization, Microwave Irradiation and Wet Thermal Treatment are some of the technologies available for efficient management of biomedical wastes.

For the safe and effective management of bio-medical waste in any establishment, handling, segregation, mutilation, disinfection, storage, transportation, and final disposal are essential processes.
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