Investigating the State of the Medical Waste Management in Health Care Centers of Qazvin County, Iran

Abstract

Background: Medical waste is one of the most important public health and environmental challenges. The aim of this study was the assessment of production rate and management of medical waste in health care centers of Qazvin, Iran. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, production rate, method of collection, storage, and decontamination of medical wastes in 10 health care centers, 7 health posts, and 12 health houses in Qazvin County were collected through observation, interview, and standard checklist and were assessed by adjusting their health status to health regulations and guidelines. Findings: The amount of medical waste production in health care centers, health posts, and health houses was 5.31, 2.10, and 1.68 kg per day, respectively. General wastes had the highest production rate and chemical and pharmaceutical wastes had the lowest production rates in the studied centers. Medical waste management in health care centers and health posts was better than the health houses. Conclusion: Some activities related to medical waste management, especially collection and transportation, on-site or off-site decontamination, and chemical and pharmaceutical wastes do not comply with national laws and regulations.

Keywords

• health care systems
• medical waste
• waste management