Improving Public Health Through Effective Biomedical Waste Management: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The volume of biological face masks, too, has ballooned due to the COVID-19 pandemic; it was a significant factor in places that had seen a high level of healthcare activity, such as Nashik in the state of Maharashtra. The paper analyzes the difference in the quantity of biomedical waste generated at Nashik, which occurred before and after the epidemic (May 2020 to March 2024). The findings reveal a substantial increase in waste generation, primarily due to the increased use of medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), diagnostic test kits, and other medical disposables. This increase has highlighted challenges with waste management facilities, waste segregation protocols, and, once again, compliance issues. To mitigate risks to public health and the environment, the report recommends enhanced waste management methods, including improved sorting, processing, and disposal of waste. Modern technology applications, alongside improved public education and health worker training, are expected to be one of the highest priorities for improving bio-waste management. This report also suggests several measures to address the issues caused by the long-term effects of the pandemic on bio-medical waste management. The elimination of waste will better protect human health and the environment from potentially harmful contaminants.