Biomedical Waste Management Practices in a Rural Health Training Centre in Southern India: A Cross-Sectional Facility Audit Using Kayakalp Guidelines

Background Effective biomedical waste management (BMWM) is essential to prevent environmental contamination and health hazards in healthcare settings. In India, regulatory frameworks like the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, mandate proper handling, but compliance varies, particularly in rural facilities. This study evaluated BMWM practices at a rural health training centre using the Kayakalp assessment tool. Methods A cross-sectional audit was conducted from April to June 2024 at a rural health training centre affiliated with a medical college in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. The Kayakalp checklist for primary health centres was employed, encompassing 10 measurable elements with 20 checkpoints scored as 0 (non-compliant), 1 (partially compliant), or 2 (fully compliant). Data were gathered via direct observations, staff interviews, and record reviews. Scores were aggregated to compute percentages for each domain and overall facility performance. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results The facility achieved 100% compliance in segregation, collection and transportation, sharps management, and equipment/supplies for BMWM. Partial compliance was noted in storage (75%) and statutory requirements (75%). Lower scores were observed in disposal (50%), hazardous waste management (50%), solid general waste (50%), and liquid waste management (0%). The overall score was 28 out of 40, yielding 70% compliance. Conclusion While strengths exist in core handling processes, critical gaps in disposal and liquid waste treatment highlight the need for targeted interventions. Enhanced staff training, protocol implementation, and infrastructure upgrades are recommended to align with national standards and reduce risks.