ASSESSMENT OF HOSPITAL WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE OWO, NIGERIA

Abstract

The issue of hospital waste management has been a global concern over the years, increase in population has tremendously led to increase in the demand for medical care facilities such as laboratories, diagnostic centres, pharmacy, chemist stores, maternity homes, morgues among others. Waste has been defined as any product or material that is not useful to the owner Improper waste management can deface the beauty of physical environment also another prominent issues that cannot be overlooked is the exposure of cleaners, health workers and patients to health risks such as hospital acquired infection, transfusion of transmitted diseases, rising incidences of hepatitis B, and HIV, respiratory tract infection among others. Inadequate funding has led to shortage of facilities and human resources, poor land use planning and developmental control were prominent issue in the study locale. This research therefore assesses the hospital waste management practices in the Federal Medical Centre, Owo with a view to suggesting measures to improve effective waste management that will promote safety and conducive physical environment. This study adopted survey research design, primary and secondary data were sourced from both medical and non-medical staff, a total of 269 sets of questionnaires were distributed, while 260 were retrieved.