India likely to generate 775.5 tonnes of medical waste daily by 2020: Study

India is likely to generate about 775.5 tonnes of medical waste per day by 2022 from the current level of 550.9 tonnes daily, a study conducted jointly by industry body ASSOCHAM and Velocity has said.

The study, which was released yesterday, said medical waste is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 7 per cent.

Titled 'Unearthing the Growth Curve and Necessities of Bio Medical Waste Management in India-2018', the study stressed on the need for stringent monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure safe and effective management of waste.

Releasing the paper, Dr Kirti Bhushan, the Director General of Health Services of the Delhi government said, "Safe and effective management of waste is not only a legal necessity but also a social responsibility. Lack of concern, motivation, awareness and cost factor are some of the problems faced in proper biomedical waste management."
Waste management market in India is expected to reach USD 13.62 billion by 2025, Dr Bhushan said, adding, "There is a need for education regarding the hazards associated with improper waste disposal. Education of staff about management of biomedical waste is crucial in today's healthcare arena."