BIOMEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA: ISSUES, RISKS, AND REGULATORY RESPONSES

India's rapid population growth, expansion of healthcare services, and increasing use of disposable medical products have made biomedical waste management a critical public health and environmental concern. Waste generated during diagnosis, treatment, immunization of humans or animals, or in research activities is known as biomedical waste. Human health, healthcare workers, waste handlers, and the environment are at risk due to improper handling, segregation, treatment, and disposal of such waste. India has enacted specific legal and regulatory frameworks, particularly the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 (amended from time to time), to address these concerns. Although regulations exist, challenges such as lack of awareness, inadequate infrastructure, poor implementation, and monitoring gaps persist. This article critically examines the issues, risks, and regulatory responses related to biomedical waste management in India. It also analyzes the effectiveness of existing laws and suggests measures to strengthen compliance and sustainable waste management practices. Keywords: Biomedical Waste Management, Public Health, Environmental Risk, Healthcare Facilities, Regulatory Framework, Implementation Challenges, India