Healthcare Waste Management in Bangladesh: A Review of Environmental and Health Impacts
James chakma
James Chakma, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS), Bangladesh
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/ersr.v3i1.12208
Keywords: Biomedical Waste; Waste Management; Environmental Safety; Public Health; Bangladesh
Abstract
Biomedical waste management has become a critical public health and environmental concern in Bangladesh due to rapid urbanization, growing healthcare infrastructure, and increasing patient flow. Improper handling, segregation, treatment, and disposal of BMW pose significant risks, including soil, water, and air contamination, occupational hazards for healthcare and waste management personnel, and broader public health implications. This review synthesizes current research, policy documents, and institutional reports from 2010 to 2024 to provide a comprehensive overview of biomedical waste generation patterns, management practices, environmental and health impacts, and regulatory frameworks in Bangladesh. Key challenges such as inadequate training, weak enforcement of regulations, insufficient infrastructure, and limited public awareness are highlighted. Recommendations for sustainable management include strict policy adherence, capacity-building programs, investment in modern treatment technologies, public-private partnerships, and environmental monitoring. This review underscores the urgent need for integrated, evidence-based strategies to ensure safe biomedical waste management and protect both human health and the environment in Bangladesh.
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