AN ASSESSMENT OF MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL AND AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES, ZARIA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Healthcare services are aimed at improving wellbeing and preventing potential human health risks and environmental hazards. In the process, however, wastes that are potentially harmful are generated. Poor management of these healthcare waste (HCW) exposes the health workers, patients, waste handlers and the general public to health risks. Thus, this study assessed HCW management practices at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Zaria and Ahmadu Bello University Health Service (ABUHS) A.B.U. Zaria. The study utilised questionnaire administered to all the heads of waste management units in each of the hospitals (4 at the ABUTH and 1 with the Medical Director at the ABUHS) for assessing the effectiveness of HCW management practices in accordance to the Townend and Cheeseman (2005) guidelines. The study established the total quantity of HCW generated at ABUTH and ABUHS at 845kg and 77kg per day respectively; which translates to 1.18kg and 1.54kg per day per bed at ABUTH and ABUHS respectively. The study revealed the availability of (190 at the ABUTH and 2 at the ABUHS) operational staff specifically responsible for medical waste management and personal protective equipment for use by medical waste handlers in both ABUTH and ABUHS. The study further revealed the availability of well distributed receptacles, storage containers, dumpsites and separation of collection of sharps or infectious materials at both ABUTH and ABUHS. The study, however, also established absence of colour coding, central purpose-built storage facility, recycling on healthcare waste management in both ABUTH and ABUHS. It was concluded that both the ABUTH and ABUHS are classified as Level 2 hospitals based on their operational performance in accordance with the Townsend and Cheeseman (2005) guidelines, which implies that some aspects are considered sustainable while some other aspects considered unsustainable. The study recommended more sustainable practices in the management of HCW. Given the importance of effective healthcare waste management practices and the current unsustainable level of performance, the study recommended further study on the effects of the healthcare wastes from the two hospitals on the environment (soil, water and air).