Study of Hospital Wastes and its Management in Riyadh City | ||||
| Journal of High Institute of Public Health | ||||
| Article 5, Volume 34, Issue 1, January 2004, Page 69-76 | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/jhiph.2004.190625 | ||||
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| Authors | ||||
| Ahmed S. Al-Habeeb1; Lamiaa Fiala2 | ||||
| 1Community Health Department, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | ||||
| 2Community Medicine Department, Suez Canal University, Egypt | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Objectives: To identify size and magnitude of the problem of hospital wastes, its characteristics, and methods of hospital wastes management. Methods: Data were collected from 14 major hospitals in Riyadh city using a questionnaire. The questionnaire included inquiries about types of hospital wastes, weight, and details of its management. Also, companies responsible for hospital wastes management were contacted about details of hospital wastes management. Data were collected and entered to the PC using Epi Info software version 6.4d, frequency tables and cross tabulations were produced. Results: A total of 14 hospitals were contacted, 7 public and 7 private hospitals, contain 3007 beds. A total daily hospital medical waste was 1347 Kg, and a total non-medical waste was 11175 Kg. All hospitals collect wastes on daily basis. All hospitals had contracts with hospital wastes management companies. Public hospitals have higher rates of hospital medical wastes compared to private hospitals. The average weight of hospital medical waste per bed was higher for public hospitals (0.55kg / bed) compared to private hospitals (0.35 Kg/bed). Conclusions: Hospital wastes management is a priority for all countries. Proper training for hospital wastes management personnel is mandatory. Establishment of an effective occupational health program is needed in all hospitals to immunize health care workers, impose post exposure prophylaxis and carry out surveillance. Clear policy regarding hospital wastes management is mandatory in every hospital. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Hospital Wastes; Management; Riyadh City | ||||
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