Healthcare waste management in Asia

The risks associated with healthcare waste and its management has gained attention across the world in various events, local and international forums and summits. However, the need for proper healthcare waste management has been gaining recognition slowly due to the substantial disease burdens assoc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Waste management (Elmsford) 2010-01, Vol.30 (1), p.154-161
Main Authors: Prem Ananth, A., Prashanthini, V., Visvanathan, C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
ASIA
BUDGETS
Conservation of Natural Resources
Developing Countries
Environmental Pollutants
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Hazardous Waste
HAZARDS
Health Facilities
HEALTH SERVICES
Humans
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
LEGISLATION
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
Medical Waste Disposal - legislation & jurisprudence
Medical Waste Disposal - methods
Public Policy
RECOMMENDATIONS
Refuse Disposal - methods
SOCIAL SERVICES
TOXICITY
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
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Summary:The risks associated with healthcare waste and its management has gained attention across the world in various events, local and international forums and summits. However, the need for proper healthcare waste management has been gaining recognition slowly due to the substantial disease burdens associated with poor practices, including exposure to infectious agents and toxic substances. Despite the magnitude of the problem, practices, capacities and policies in many countries in dealing with healthcare waste disposal, especially developing nations, is inadequate and requires intensification. This paper looks upon aspects to drive improvements to the existing healthcare waste management situation. The paper places recommendation based on a 12 country study reflecting the current status. The paper does not advocate for any complex technology but calls for changes in mindset of all concerned stakeholders and identifies five important aspects for serious consideration. Understanding the role of governments and healthcare facilities, the paper also outlines three key areas for prioritized action for both parties – budget support, developing policies and legislation and technology and knowledge management.
ISSN:0956-053X
1879-2456
DOI:10.1016/j.wasman.2009.07.018