FINDING AN ACCEPTABLE METHOD FOR MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT IN NIGEIRA

Abstract

Medical or Healthcare Waste (HCW) constitutes a special category of waste because they contain potentially harmful materials. The problem of how to manage medical waste has become one of critical concerns in developing countries. Medical waste includes every wastes generated in the process of diagnosis, treatment of patients and other medical procedures from all the types of healthcare institutions. The improper management of medical waste poses serious health risks to people and the environment by contaminating the air, soil and water resources. Health care facilities are supposed to safeguard the health of the patient and community, and where not properly managed can pose an even greater threat than the original disease themselves. A number of studies have indicated that the inappropriate handling and disposal of medical waste poses health risks to health workers who may be directly exposed and to people near health facilities, particularly children and scavengers who may become exposed to infectious wastes. This paper aims at ascertaining the best approach and methods of managing medical/healthcare waste in Nigeria. The paper adopted doctrinal methods of data collection and in doing so, looked at relevant statutory provisions, textbooks, journal articles etc. The study found among other things that there many scientifically approved methods for medical waste management in Nigeria. Healthcare/medical waste generators should as a matter of urgency improve on their technologies for medical waste management. Modern machines and techniques that ensures pollution free waste disposal method should be employed is part of the paper’s key recommendations which is believed would ensure that our medical facilities are clean, and free from litters of medical wastes.