Striving for Sustainability in Healthcare Management: Waste Handling and Disposal Network Optimization

Bio-medical waste (BMW) is infectious and hazardous, and therefore is harmful to the environment and human beings. It is a matter of concern that most of the healthcare facilities are not disposing of the BMW as per the stipulated guidelines. The significant reasons identified for inefficient BMW disposal are the high costs and capacity constraints of the treatment facilities. The BMW handling and disposal rules vary from country to country, and presently, limited studies have attempted to optimize a BMW handling and disposal network from developing nation’s perspective. The present study develops a cost optimization model for handling and disposal of BMW. The nodes considered in this model include common BMW treatment facilities, energy recovery and recycling facilities, concrete and iron foundry transfer points, hazardous waste treatment facilities, and scrap dealers. An illustrative example is presented for understanding the utility and application of the problem solved. The model and the suggested recommendations will be highly useful to the healthcare facilities and BMW management policymakers. The model may be used to fix the charges for the various BMW handling and disposal activities and manage the capacity of the treatment plants in a scientific manner. The findings of the study are expected to encourage participation from the healthcare facilities in making the BMW management more efficient.