Geographical and temporal analysis of bio-medical waste management in India

In India, a large quantity of bio-medical waste is generated by healthcare facilities. This study analyses the geographical and temporal variations in bio-medical waste management (BMWM) in India systematically. A comprehensive BMWM inventory of India’s states and union territories for the period 2008–2017 was prepared and analysed. The objectives of this study were to analyse BMWM implementation geographically across the country to assess its performance, and to understand its policy implementation gaps over time. During 2008–2017, the total bio-medical waste generation increased from 409 to 558 Mg/day. Among all the states and union territories, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat have the highest number of healthcare facilities. The quantity of waste generated is the highest in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar, West Bengal, and Gujarat. The quantity of waste treated has also increased with the enforcement of the Bio-Medical Waste Rules (2016). The quantity of bio-medical waste treatment is highest in Karnataka and Maharashtra. This analysis will help to improve the practice of BMWM, and it can be used to bridge the gaps in effective and efficient management of bio-medical waste in India.