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An appraisal of medical waste management in four tertiary hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: In the last two decades, the World Health Organisation has issued several position papers and fact sheets on the management of medical wastes and the hazards these wastes pose to man and the environment. However, anecdotal reports from parts of Nigeria show that medical waste is yet to be appreciated as hazardous waste, requiring a planned programme of collection, treatment and disposal.
Aim: To appraise the medical waste management practice in tertiary health care centres in Enugu State, Nigeria.
Methods: The study utilized field investigation with questionnaires, personal observations and interviews. Four tertiary health- care centres were appraised, one run by the State Government and the other three by the Federal government. Data was collected on quantity of waste generated, composition, segregation, collection, treatment and disposal in each centre.
Results: The study revealed that waste segregation is carried out in only one hospital. Hospital wastes are collected with wheel barrows and trolleys. Refuse is transported to treatment or disposal site by open trucks in two centres, the other two by Enugu State Waste Management Agency (ESWAMA) refuse trucks. Only one centre employs low temperature incineration for treatment of refuse, while in the other three, there is no form of refuse treatment.
Conclusion: Medical waste is poorly managed in all four hospitals with attendant hazards to humans and the environment.
