Healthcare waste (HCW) is the waste generated by the activities of
healthcare facilities, educational institutions and medical research which is harmful to
both human and animal health. About 10 to 15% of HCW presents hazardous
characteristics, including a broad range of materials from sharps, used needles and
syringes to soiled-dressings, body fluids or wastes contaminated by chemical and/or
containing a high concentration of microorganisms. Such kind of waste requires very
specific treatment to ensure proper final disposal. Its generation depends on different
factors such as the economic development of the country and the type of service
provided by the above-mentioned institutions. In this context, HCW management
(HCWM) is a public health and environmental concern worldwide, especially for nondeveloped
countries. Furthermore, HCWM is a complex and challenging process that
covers a wide variety of actions, including segregation, minimization, previous
treatment, packaging, temporary storage, collection, internal transportation and external
storage of HCW. The first priority in this waste management should be the segregation
and reduction in order to decrease the contaminated solid waste and to ensure selective
collection. Furthermore, a great part of HCW can be recycled. In order to encourage
successful best management practices, the results of a GEF-funded national
development report headed by the Ministry of Health of Argentina are hereby exposed
including proposed actions for training, guidelines, supervision, appropriate utility
supply, management support and specific regulations to face future challenges.
Improvements in the management system through HCW indicators may prove failures
in segregation procedures, showing an opportunity for continual advances. To reduce
potential problems that expose the healthcare facility staff, patients and their attendants
to the risk of serious health hazards, there should be sufficient resource allocation,
periodic training and strict supervision by stakeholders. Institutional planning for an
efficient HCWM will assure HCF to both save money and provide a safe environment
for patients and healthcare personnel.
Keywords: Best management practices, Healthcare facility, Healthcare waste,
Healthcare waste management.
