Medical Waste Management (MWM) in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

This study reviews the current situation of medical waste management (MWM) and practices in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and examines possible solutions for further study. We collected existing information through an Internet survey using the keywords “Medical Waste Management,” “Health Hazards,” and “Bangladesh.” Medical wastes that are disposed in open places in the city are hazardous and toxics. Moreover, waste management and practices were found to be quite unsafe. Poor people collect the waste and sell it for recycling. Almost 85.0% of sharp injuries are caused between their usage and subsequent disposal. More than 20.0% of those who handle them encounter “stick” injuries. Another study showed that people use an average of 3.4 injections per year, in which 39.3% were administered with reused equipment for low level of management. There is no initiative for present MWM system by government or INGOs, and no concrete regulation has been established yet. Few researchers and INGOs have done little. Women and children are more vulnerable because they handle the waste with bare hands; exposing them to contamination with HIV or hepatitis B and other diseases. Therefore, it is essential to follow sound medical waste management system and take actions for this public health problem.