Biomedical Waste Management: A Scientific Insight into Segregation,...

Greetings of the day,

Today was a bit different from normal duty and was a learning day. In the morning we visited the Bio Medical Waste Management Treatment Facility located in Vadodara. Working in healthcare, we generate waste every day, but seeing with our own eyes how it is finally disposed of was a different experience.

Clear safety and hygiene rules were visible at the main entrance of the facility. As soon as we entered, we were told that the waste coming from hospitals is already classified into different colored bags. Infectious waste is kept in yellow bags, plastic waste in red, glass in blue and sharps in white containers. Seeing the board of “Yellow BMW Storage” there, I immediately remembered that the real importance of the segregation on which we lay so much emphasis in the hospital, is understood here.

We were shown the process of autoclave machine, shredder and incinerator. Microorganisms are destroyed by high temperature and pressure in an autoclave. The entire process is based on science, where the right balance of temperature, time and pressure plays a vital role in infection control. After this the plastic waste is shredded and sent for recycling.

Waste from different hospitals is brought here daily in a special vehicle (BMW collection van) parked outside the facility. This entire chain — from generation to disposal — is based on a scientific and systematic system. If there is carelessness at any stage, the risk of infection can increase manifold.

This visit once again made me realize that infection control is not limited to hospital wards alone, but extends to this final disposal centre. Every small rule we follow — like putting garbage in the right color bag — makes a big contribution to protecting public health.

Today's experience was not only educational but also gave a sense of responsibility. Recording today's activity through Actifit, it feels good that we not only increased steps but also increased knowledge.