|
About Healthcare Waste
Management : Reasons For Failure
Lack of awareness about the health
hazards related to health-care waste, inadequate training in
proper waste management, absence of waste management and disposal
systems, insufficient financial and human resources and the low
priority given to the topic are the most common problems connected
with health-care waste. Many countries either do not have
appropriate regulations, or do not enforce them.
The Way Forward
The management of health-care waste
requires increased attention and diligence to avoid adverse health
outcomes associated with poor practice, including exposure to
infectious agents and toxic substances.
Key elements in improving
health-care waste management are:
-
promoting practices that reduce the
volume of wastes generated and ensure proposer waste segregation.
-
developing strategies and systems
along with strong oversight and regulation to incrementally
improve waste segregation, destruction and disposal practices with
the ultimate aim of meeting national and international standards.
-
where feasible, favouring the safe
and environmentally sound treatment of hazardous health care
wastes (e,g, by autoclaving, microwaving, steam treatment
integrated with internal mixing, and chemical treatment) over
medical waste incineration.
-
building a comprehensive system,
addressing responsibilities, resource allocation, handling and
disposal. This is a long-term process, sustained by gradual
improvements;
-
raising awareness of the risks
related to health-care waste, and of safe practices; and
-
selecting safe and
environmentally-friendly management options, to protect people
from hazards when collecting, handling, storing, trans porting,
treating or disposing of waste. Government commitment and support
is needed for universal, long-term improvement, although immediate
action can be taken locally.
( Ref :
https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/health-care-waste
).
* * * * *
|
|
