CLINICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN TAMALE METROPOLIS, GHANA

Abstract

The management of health care waste is becoming a source of worry to the people worldwide and Tamale is no exception. The premise of this study stems from the researchers personal observation where children who loiter around the landfill site are found playing with used needles, infusion sets and other waste products. Thus the research sought to dig into the reasons that account for this by looking at the existing waste management practices used by the selected 'iospitals, )ata for this research was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules to determine naff perception about health care waste management options and existing policies. Field ibservations were also used to collect much of the necessary information. Further, to determine he impact of health care waste on water bodies, samples from four different sources was taken, hese were maturation pond, general waste water, and hospital waste water. The following iarameters were measured, PH, BOD, COD, Total Suspended Solids, Nitrate, Nitrite, Sulphate, iicarbonate and the values compared with the EPA Guideline. The field data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 16. Famale metropolis has no structured health care waste disposal and management system in place. fhere is also no legislation in Ghana nor any bye-law in Tamale Metropolis regarding the nanagement of health care waste. The study also showed inadequate administration of medical vaste and weak cooperation between the TMNWMD and the selected health facilities on issues elated to proper health care waste management. The study revealed that most staff of the .elected hospitals do not follow the proper procedures in management, thus have little rnowledge in segregation, transfer and disposal methods. The average waste generated per day ,y selected hospitals was about l .5kg/bed/day which confirms EPAs claim that HCW could be .ncreasing. There is the need for a national legislation on health care waste as a base for improving healthcare waste practices in Ghana.