The waste produced in the course of health care activities carries a higher potential for infection and injury than any other type of waste. It is estimated that annually about 0.33 million tons of hospital waste is generated in India and, the waste generation rate ranges from 0.5 to 2.0 kg per bed per day. The major clinical man force in teaching hospitals after the Doctors or consultants are the Undergraduate and the Postgraduate students, who along with the consultants are responsible for generation of Biomedical Waste in the bargain of providing treatment to patients. Hence the knowledge and awareness of Biomedical Waste Management is of paramount importance amongst the students as they will be the future man force in the hospitals.

 

Data was collected using pre-designed and self-administered questionnaire. Questionnaires were distributed to all the students simultaneously during their regular theory classes. 

 

88% to 90% students knew the exact meaning of Biomedical Waste. 50% to 60% students knew about the storage and 40% to 50% knew about the disposal of Biomedical Waste. Only 12% were aware about new BMWM Rules’2016. 

 

Recommendations: -

This study reveals that there are some shortfalls in the knowledge of the students. Even though the topic of BMWM is included in the curriculum, there should be an essential need for better education to further improve the knowledge of BMWM by well designed seminars, programs, workshops and assessments.

 

Keywords:  Biomedical Waste Management, Medical, Dental, Students, Knowledge, Awareness.