Affiliation:
1. The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
2. Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services, Dhaka, Bangladesh
3. University of Rajshahi, 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.
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health,Community and Home Care,Leadership and Management
Cited by
20 articles.
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