Analysis of Healthcare on Waste Management for Sustainable Environmental and Health Approached: A Case of Selected Healthcare Facilities at Korogwe District Council

Kihiyo, Mandia (2023) Analysis of Healthcare on Waste Management for Sustainable Environmental and Health Approached: A Case of Selected Healthcare Facilities at Korogwe District Council. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

The study analyzed healthcare waste management with a focus on sustainable environmental and health practices, using the case study of Korogwe District Council. Several healthcare establishments were chosen for on-site investigations, and an analysis was conducted to assess the current status of healthcare waste management (HCWM) in three selected health centers: Magunga Hospital, Majengo Health Centre (HCW and Saint Raphael Health Centre. The study utilized both primary and secondary data, employing probability sampling techniques to select the health centers within the study area. Weighing scales, interview guides, direct observation schedules, and daily production schedules where used to collect data. The findings indicated that in Korogwe District, the overall rate of healthcare waste generation, as well as the rate of hazardous HCW generation, were as follows for Magunga, Majengo, and St. Raphael health centers: 1.6 kg/ bed/day totaling 569 kg per day, 1.3 kg/bed/day, totaling 119 kg per day, and 0.45 kg/bed/day, totaling 51 kg per day, respectively. The assessment of the management system revealed that 56% of the workers had not received any form of training in healthcare waste handling, while approximately 54% of them did not utilize any safety equipment or protective clothing. It is crucial to provide training to healthcare personnel and the general population on hygiene practices and healthcare waste management to raise awareness and foster a sense of responsibility. This would help prevent exposure to health hazards associated with healthcare waste. The management of healthcare waste in the study area was found to be inadequate, as evidenced by the absence of proper segregation of healthcare waste at its source and insufficient facilities for its management. It is recommended to establish a comprehensive healthcare waste management plan for all healthcare facilities order to safeguard human health and promote environmental sustainability. Keywords: Healthcare, Infectious Waste, Pathological Waste, Waste Management, Korogwe.

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