Management practices of medical waste among healthcare facilities the case of the Sekyere enclave of Ashanti region of Ghana

Abstract

Management of medical waste (MW) is an important subject bedeviling many developing countries like Ghana. Countries across the globe are struggling to develop methods and infrastructure for appropriate disposal of the increasing medical waste generated. This study assessed the management practices of medical waste in healthcare facilities in the Sekyere enclave of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Questionnaires, personal observation and an in-depth interview were employed to obtain data for the work. Data for the study were analysed using descriptive statistics and the results presented in tables and graphs. Medical waste generated were mostly not sorted at the health facilities. All the health facilities had dump sites. Eight (8) out of the Nine (9) health facilities visited had incinerators. Many janitors lacked knowledge on medical waste management. Some janitors indicated there were risk associated with medical waste handling. About half 47% said diseases were the major risks while about one- third 34% said needle pricking. The study revealed that mortuaries engaged in open burning of waste. Liquid waste from mortuaries were discharged into general sewage systems. Most facilities 39% burnt their waste in the open. Landfill recorded, 33% and burning and landfill 28%. All medical storage areas must be large enough so they do not overflow and separate spaces must be provided for different types of waste. All the health facilities engaged in segregation of waste at the point of generation but the segregated waste ended up being mixed with the municipal solid waste. It is recommended that the assemblies ensure that methods used to transport medical waste should be appropriate to the individual circumstances of health facilities and compliant with national transport regulations that is stipulated in the ministry health medical waste policy regulation.