HIV crisis drives reforms in biomedical waste management in the US and India

In 1987, the "Syringe Tide" crisis in the U.S. saw used syringes and medical waste wash up on beaches, prompting public outrage amid the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This led to the 1988 Medical Waste Tracking Act, establishing strict regulations for medical waste disposal. India's response to biomedical waste management was slower. The 1998 Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules finally recognized hospital waste as hazardous, empowering authorities to regulate disposal. This followed a Supreme Court ruling highlighting severe pollution issues in urban areas. Today, India has updated its waste management rules, but challenges remain, especially in rural areas. Despite progress, mishandling of biomedical waste continues to pose risks for healthcare workers. The HIV crisis has played a significant role in shaping these reforms.