Hazardous Waste Management in the Primary Health Care Setup in Kerala, India

Abstract

ISEE-834 Objective: The improper, inadequate management of wastes generated in the health care settings can lead to hazardous health impacts on the individuals and community. Also the improper disposal of hazardous waste adversely affects the environment by polluting it. This study was conducted to determine the process of hazardous waste management at the peripheral health care settings. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in the 3 Primary Health Centers in Kannur, Kerala. A total of 300 observations were made, and the findings were recorded in a questionnaire. Results: Among the types of waste that arise in the Primary Health Centre, majority was injection waste. The segregation of waste was not done at point of origin. Sharps were disposed by burial method, and infectious waste materials like cotton, swabs, linen, etc, were burned on each day after the delivery of the services. Conclusions: The study reveals that there is an urgent need to implement safe system for terminal disposal of hazardous waste. At the same time, more emphasis must be given on the segregation of the waste at the point of origin itself to prevent the health hazards associated with improper handling of waste.