Indian Journal of Preventive Medicine

Biomedical Waste Management (BMW) is critical for maintaining hygiene and safety in healthcare settings. This study assesses the awareness levels regarding BMW management among medical students in 2021. Conducted over two months in a medical college, the research involved a cross-sectional survey of 200 students using a structured questionnaire. The study revealed that while most students were aware of the importance of BMW management, gaps existed in their knowledge of segregation and disposal practices. Factors such as year of study and prior exposure to training significantly influenced awareness levels. The study highlights the urgent need for enhanced training programs to ensure proper BMW practices among future healthcare providers.

Background: Self-medication among healthcare professionals is a pervasive issue with significant implications for personal well-being and patient care quality. Despite their medical expertise, healthcare workers frequently engage in self-prescribing, which can pose substantial risks. Objective: This review aims to evaluate the prevalence, motivations, risks, and preventive strategies related to self-medication in healthcare professionals, and to propose measures to address this issue effectively. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing studies from various disciplines and regions. Data were collected from peer-reviewed articles, clinical reports, and case studies focusing on self-medication practices among healthcare workers. Results: Self-medication is alarmingly common among healthcare professionals. Key contributing factors include easy access to medications, time constraints, professional self-reliance, and a reluctance to seek external medical help. Risks associated with selfmedication include misdiagnosis, improper drug usage, adverse reactions, and potential dependency or substance abuse. The entrenched culture of self-reliance in healthcare can further exacerbate these risks, leading to normalized risky practices. Preventive Strategies: To address self-medication, the review recommends several strategies: increasing awareness through targeted education, fostering a supportive work environment that encourages seeking professional medical advice, and implementing institutional policies to regulate self-prescribing behaviors. Conclusion: Addressing self-medication among healthcare professionals requires a multifaceted approach that balances the health of professionals with patient safety. Shifting the culture from self-reliance to seeking appropriate medical care is crucial for improving healthcare delivery and maintaining professional integrity.

Proper dressing and treatment of thermal burn sites is critical not only for infection control but also for future surgical intervention. This article highlights our findings on the efficacy of Super Oxidised Solution in locally healing thermal burn lesions. In a case report on an 82-year-old female with thermal burns over the right thigh region, Super Oxidised Solution improved wound healing and prepared wounds for definitive covering by increasing granulation and minimizing infection, all of which are necessary for surgery.