BIOMEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT: STRATEGIES FOR SAFE DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS HEALTHCARE RESIDUES

Biomedical waste (BMW) is any solid or liquid waste from healthcare activities, including diagnosis, treatment, immunization, research, or biological production, that contains infectious, hazardous, or potentially infectious materials, such as used sharps (needles, scalpels), blood-soaked items, human tissues, lab cultures, and expired medicines, posing risks if not handled properly. Effective management through segregation, treatment (like incineration or autoclaving), and disposal is crucial to prevent infections and protect public health and the environment.