Background: Biomedical waste management (BMWM) in health care facilities is important for public health, environmental protection and regulatory compliance. Most of the surveys conducted to know the ground level practices and challenges are not able to fully understand the true reality in hospitals. The primary objective of this study is to conduct a thematic analysis of the provided focused group discussion (FGD) transcripts obtained from the discussions. Materials and Methods: We conducted FGD related to BMWM across four zones in India from 2023 to 2024 as part of a national workshop series. Each FGD included 12–15 volunteers and was led by two trained facilitators using a validated interview guide to ensure consistent data collection. The discussions were audio-recorded after obtaining consent and transcribed for analysis. Results: FGDs revealed major challenges including inadequate segregation, resource shortages, transportation gaps, and limited staff training. Participants highlighted the need for stronger monitoring, adequate manpower, budget allocation, and vendor accountability. Conclusion: In conclusion, effective BMWM requires sustained commitment from the regulatory authorities and collaborative efforts from all stakeholders. Addressing the systemic issues identified in this analysis will not only ensure regulatory compliance but also significantly improve public health and environmental safety.
Shah et al. (Wed,) studied this question.