Characterization and management of solid medical wastes in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Nigeria
Afr. health sci. (Online)
; 6(1): 58-63, ilus
Article
in English
| AIM (Africa)
| ID: biblio-1256456
Responsible library:
CG1.1
RESUMO
Background:
Medical establishment such as hospitals and research institutes generate sizable amount of hazardous waste. Health care workers; patients are at risk of acquiring infection from sharps and contamination of environment with multiple drug resistant microorganisms if wastes are not properly managed.Objectives:
To characterize types and evaluate waste disposal techniques employed in the management of solid medical wastes in five selected hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory;Abuja;Methods:
This was a cross section study involving the use of questionnaires; in-depth interview; meetings; discussions and participant observed strategy. It also involved the collection; sorting (segregation); identification and characterization and weighing of waste types from wards and units in the selected hospitals.Results:
The average waste generation rate per bed/day was determined and found to be 2.78kg of solid waste; 26.5of the total waste was hazardous in nature.Waste segregation was found not to be practiced by any of the hospitals surveyed; 18.3of the hospitals incinerated waste in a locally built brick incinerator; 9.1bury; 36.3burn waste in open pits while 36.3dispose of a waste into municipal dumpsites.Conclusion:
Waste management officers do not have formal training in waste management techniques; and hospital administrators pay very little attention to appropriate management of medical waste.Therefore; we must educate waste generators of their responsibility to properly manage the waste so that their staff; patients; environment and community is protected
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Database:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Hazardous Waste
/
Safety Management
/
Medical Waste
/
Nigeria
Type of study:
Qualitative research
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
English
Journal:
Afr. health sci. (Online)
Document type:
Article