Nigerians
are being treated of various diseases at primary, secondary and tertiary
healthcare facilities across the country. A report from the Federal Ministry of
Health indicates that Nigeria has a total of 23,640 health facilities, of which
85.8% are primary healthcare facilities, 14% secondary and 0.2% tertiary,
according to 2005 estimates. Since 2009, reports have also established that the
new facilities have been built, most especially at primary and secondary levels
in some parts of the country. Private hospitals are also springing up to
complement governments’ efforts towards qualitative healthcare service
delivery.
From
these facilities a number of wastes are being generated in different forms. Existing
information reveals that there are wastes categorised as general, pathological,
chemical, infectious, sharp and pharmaceutical in most of the facilities.
Beyond wastes from the main hospital rooms, the laundry, kitchen,
administration and engineering units also generate a significant number of
wastes every day.
In
a hospital in the northern region, the evidence shows that “the average amount
of HCW was 0.62 kg/person/day at the out -patient units and 0.81 kg/bed/day in
the in- patient wards.”The improper management of these wastes is contributing
to the emergence of various diseases among the people handling them, increasing
the country’s health expenditure yearly.
Knowledge and Practices among Healthcare Workers
There
is inadequate knowledge and practices among healthcare workers in rural areas
more than those in urban areas. Training on waste management, transport, recycling
and treatment are not being given to the workers periodically. A recent study
found that the number of workers who understood the essence of healthcare waste
management in the provision of safety to the public was 46% (from 52 workers). The
level of healthcare waste management practice was also found to be unsustainable.
From
the insights, it has clear that Nigerian facility management companies need to
save the country from the increase health cost from the improper management of
medical wastes being generated from operation theatres, pharmacy, laboratories,
in-patient wards, out-patient units, radiology unit and the Mortuary across the
country. FM companies need to devise innovative solutions that would address the
lack of commitment from the management of most hospitals, poor waste handling
practices, inadequate training, nonexistent segregation and risky disposal
practices.
Where the Money lies
FM companies would capture the needed value
as long as the solutions appeal to the hospital management. Specific attention
should be paid to government hospitals, especially secondary and tertiary ones.
They generate medical wastes more than primary and private hospitals. Some
hospitals spend a significant amount on disposing the wastes every day, monthly
and yearly. For instance, a hospital in the northern region reported spending
ranging from N20, 000 to N100, 000 on its waste disposal. Companies could also
profit from awareness creation and waste management knowledge for healthcare
workers who handle medical wastes. It could be in forms of periodic training
and knowledge codification (in writing format).
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