exception of the upper classes, people cannot afford such type of social protection. For most people living in poor developing countries illness still represents a permanent threat to their income earning capacity. Beside the direct costs for treatment and drugs, indirect costs for the missing labour force of the ill and the occupying person have to be shouldered by the household.

Background: The waste produced in the course of healthcare activities carries a higher potential for infection and injury than any other type of waste. Inadequate and inappropriate knowledge of handling of healthcare waste among health care personnel may have serious health consequences and a significant impact on the environment as well. Hence this study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding the bio-medical waste management among nurses and laboratory technicians working in our hospital and to evaluate the effect of the intervention program given to them.Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among the nurses and laboratory technicians working at The Oxford Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Bengaluru. An identical pre-designed and pre-tested structured questionnaire was given to them before and after the training session.Results: After the training program, a statistically significant increase in knowledge on all aspects of bio-medical waste management was found among the study participants. The attitude on all aspects related to BMW management improved among the participants after the intervention.Conclusions:All health care personnel must undergo regular training in BMW management. This should be coupled with effective implementation of rules and regular monitoring by authorities.

Background: As the life expectancy is rising, there is change in structure of the population. For the year 2018 the estimates are 8% of total population were above the age 60 years, and is likely to rise to 19% by 2050. There is implication of increase in the prevalence of chronic conditions such as cardio vascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, locomotor and mental disorders etc. social security is to provide sustenance to people who cannot work and earn their living due to aging. The objectives of the study were to assess the awareness and utilisation of social security facilities among elderly in rural area and to determine the Challenges in utilizing social security facilities among elderly in rural area.Methods: Descriptive study was done in Muthanallur village, Bangalore. All elders (60 years old and above) were interviewed using a pre-tested semi-structure questionnaire. Results are described in terms of proportions and percentages. The results with p-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: There were 194 (45.4%) subjects aged 60-69 years. A majority of them were females 244 (57.1%) and males 183 (42.9%). Study subjects residing in joint families were 360 (84.3%) awareness about IGNOAPS and IGNWPS was higher 206 (63%). Awareness among females (76.4%) were significantly more aware of IGNWPS as compared to males (87.9%) (p<0.05).Conclusions: Awareness and information to approach for utilizing the scheme and ease of administrative procedures should be an integral part of social security scheme.

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