Advanced Journal of Environmental Science and Technology ISSN 2756-3251 Vol. 11 (5), pp. 001-007, May, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Waste management in healthcare establishments within Jos Metropolis, Nigeria

Ngwuluka Ndidi¹*, Ochekpe Nelson², Odumosu Patricia² and John Sunday. A¹

¹Dept of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos. P. M. B. 2084, Jos. Nigeria.

²Dept of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos. P. M. B. 2084, Jos. Nigeria.

Accepted 09 April, 2020

Abstract

Poor management of healthcare waste exposes health workers and the public to the toxic effects of wastes generated from health establishments. The disposal of these wastes could also lead to environmental problems if not done properly. This study has assessed the waste management practices in hospitals and compared same with international standards. A survey was carried out in six major hospitals in Jos metropolis. The findings indicated that these hospitals fell below the recommended waste management practices as prescribed by World Health Organization and other regulatory authorities. Wastes were not segregated, and were inappropriately disposed. The health workers were unaware of relevant regulations and the existence of a hospital waste management policy. Recommendations have been made for staff training to create awareness on wastes, their effects, importance of existing guidelines and the implementation of the waste management options for the different categories of wastes so that hospitals do not become infection centres that contribute to the damage of both the environment and human health.

Key words: Healthcare waste, waste management, waste disposal, hospital waste, medical waste, infectious waste, pharmaceutical waste, chemical waste, cytotoxic waste, waste management policies/regulations.