SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF MEDICAL WASTE. CASE STUDY: ABBAGANARAM PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTER MAIDUGURI

The Abbaganaram Primary Health Care Center faces serious risks due to the lack of organized waste management procedures. The growing demand for healthcare services has led to an increase in waste generation further straining the centers limited waste management capabilities. Without proper segregation infectious waste contaminates non-infectious waste increasing the volume of hazardous waste that requires specialized treatment (Abah. 2011). This raises the risk of disease transmission and environmental deterioration in addition to raising disposal expenses. The management of healthcare waste has changed dramatically on a global scale with many nations implementing sustainable practices to reduce their negative environmental effects. Healthcare facilities in high-income nations usually use cutting-edge equipment like incinerators microwaves and autoclaves to treat hazardous waste (Abbas et al. 2018). It is common practice to separate waste at the source which is made easier by color-coded bins and comprehensive instructions for managing various waste kinds. Additionally recycling programs are frequently put into place enabling the recovery of materials like paper glass and some types of plastic. Germany serves as a noteworthy illustration as strict laws guarantee the safe and effective handling of medical waste. The use of licensed waste disposal businesses is required by law and noncompliance is punishable by fines (Wilson. 2018). A similar zero-waste policy is followed by healthcare facilities in Japan where almost all materials are recycled or treated to make them non-hazardous before being disposed of. In contrast many low- and middle-income countries struggle with implementing even basic waste management practices.