Management of healthcare waste

Infectious waste is waste contaminated with blood and other bodily fluids. Waste that is pathological—human tissue. Syringes, needles, scalpels, and blades are examples of sharps waste. Chemical waste includes things like reagents and solvents used in laboratories. Medications and vaccines that are expired, unused, or contaminated are considered pharmaceutical waste. The term cytotoxic waste refers to waste containing genotoxic substances. Radioactive waste, such as products contaminated with radionuclides. Non-hazardous or general waste means waste that does not pose a particular hazard.

The average hospital bed in high-income countries produces 0.5 kilograms of hazardous waste per day. However, medical waste is often not separated into hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Potentially dangerous bacteria found in medical waste have the potential to infect hospital patients. Drug-resistant microbes that spread from healthcare facilities into the environment could be another possible risk. Approximately 16 billion injections are given worldwide every year. Not all needles and syringes are safely disposed of. They increase the risk of injury and infection.

The number of injections using contaminated needles and syringes in low- and middle-income countries has declined significantly in recent years. In recent years, fewer people have sustained a single needle wound from a needle used on an infected source patient. A person who sustains a single needle wound from a needle used on an infected source patient has a 30% risk of HBV, HCV, and HIV infections.

Additional hazards arise from the collection of garbage in landfills as well as the handling and manual sorting of hazardous waste from healthcare facilities. Waste handlers are at immediate risk of needle injury and contact with toxic materials.

Environmental impact

The treatment and disposal of medical waste may indirectly pose a health hazard due to the release of pathogens and toxic pollutants into the environment. Disposal of untreated medical waste in landfills can lead to contamination of surface and ground water. Treatment of medical waste with chemical disinfectants can release chemicals into the environment. Waste incineration is widely practiced, but improper incineration results in the release of pollutants into the air and the formation of ash. The combustion of materials containing or treated with chlorine can produce dioxins and furans.

The way forward

Medical waste management requires increased care and diligence to avoid the adverse health effects associated with poor practices, including exposure to infectious agents and toxic substances. The key elements for improving healthcare waste management are: promotion of methods that reduce the amount of waste. The development of strategies and systems to improve the methods of separation. Where possible, prefer safe and environmentally sound management. Build an integrated system and allocate resources.

Although quick action can be taken at the local level, government commitment and assistance are necessary for overall long-term progress. Medical waste management is a crucial component to not increase the danger of infection.

The Ministry of Health has released updated recommendations for the responsible disposal of medical waste. It provides information on the practical and legal needs for trash management. Special attention is given to trash management and enforcement. Also, to garbage classification, safe storage techniques, and waste transportation.