Improvement of Clinical Waste Management in Selected Medical Officer of Health Areas under Regional Director of Health Services Galle

Introduction: Clinical waste management is a worldwide burning issue. Environmental pollution and associated health risks including disease transmission and social issues are the main impact of this problem. Government pays more attention for clinical waste management in the curative sector than preventive sector. Proper waste management practices are needed to be improved in the preventive sector in Sri Lanka as well. This intervention project was carried out in selected Medical officer of Health (MOH)' offices in Galle Regional Director of Health (ROHS) division.

 

Objective: To improve the clinical waste management in clinics conducted in selected MOH offices in Galle district.

 

Methods: Initial assessments were done to identify the waste generation and segregation practices in the clinics in MOH offices. Staff knowledge and practices on waste management and available facilities for segregation were assessed and an intervention was developed and implemented. The post intervention analysis was done to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.

 

Results & Conclusion: The main problems identified were lack of facilities. Poor knowledge in Clinical Waste Management and low priority of top management for proper clinical waste management. New information, educational and communication material were developed to improve the knowledge on the color coding, segregation, temporary storage, transport and final disposal. Several awareness sessions were conducted for public heath midwives (PHM). Improvement of knowledge and practices after intervention was statistically significant (P=OOO).