Improper management of healthcare waste poses a significant risk to patients, healthcare workers, the community and the environment. It contaminates the natural environment (air, water, soil, fauna and flora) and the man made environment, thereby affecting the health of humans and other living beings. All exposed to health care waste are potentially at risk of being injured or adverse health outcomes.

Types of hazardous waste generated by health facilities based on World Health Organization classification is shown below.

National healthcare waste management programme of the Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine aims to contain infectious waste and reduce risks to public health and the environment. The steps to achieve this goal include waste minimization, identification and segregation, recycling, adequate packaging, handling and storage, and proper treatment and disposal.

Await more information