“Forensic Dimensions of Biomedical Waste Management in India: Bridging Regulation, Technology

Abstract

BMWM has become one of the concerns of public health and environmental protection in India due to the increase in waste generated by various proliferating healthcare facilities. Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 and subsequent amendments have left large implementation loopholes that have given rise to the risk of contagion, environmental pollution, and work-related injuries. This review discusses BMWM in India under the perspective of forensic and how source tracing, evidence-based monitoring, and accountability can be used to enhance compliance. It reveals trends in regulation, challenges inherent in segregation, treatment, and enforcement, as well as the growing applicability of forensic practices, including waste source attribution, barcoding, geotagging, AI-based surveillance and blockchain-enriched transparency. New types of treatment technologies that are emerging such as, plasma pyrolysis and waste to energy conversion are also explored. The review has outlined why the current BMWM should be integrated with forensic science to regulatory enforcement and technology innovation that can then turn BMWM into a responsive and a deterrent system and not a compliance obligation. A coordinated policy, science, technology integrated role is critical to guaranteeing the health of the population, the health of the environment, as well as the provision of a sustainable platform in the biomedical waste management in India.