Evaluating Medical Waste Management Practices in Health Institutions within the Rajshahi City Corporation, Bangladesh

Abstract

This research delineates the present condition of the medical waste management system within health institutions in Rajshahi City Corporation, Bangladesh. This study aims to investigate the current methodologies employed in the management of medical waste and to evaluate the processes of waste disposal within health institutions located in Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC). The data were gathered through the utilization of questionnaires, site visits, electronic devices, and comprehensive interviews. This survey was undertaken to examine the attributes of six hospitals, namely Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital (RMCH), Islami Bank Medical College and Hospital (IBMCH), Barind Medical College and Hospital (BMCH), Udayan Dental College and Hospital (UDCH), along with Popular Diagnostic Center and Royal Diagnostic Center within RCC. The hospitals under consideration were observed to produce 870 kg of medical waste per day, with approximately 85.57% classified as non-infectious and merely 11.43% deemed infectious. The research revealed deficiencies in workforce availability, technical expertise, and financial resources within hospitals concerning waste management practices. The current study emphatically suggests methods to enhance the awareness of individuals engaged in the collection and disposal system.