EVALUATION OF MEDICAL SOLID WASTES MANAGEMENT IN SOME HOSPITALS IN NAJAF CITY/ IRAQ

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the management of medical solidwaste in some hospitals in Najaf city as a case study. For this study, three big local hospitals were selected that are different in specialties. The generation quantities of medical solidwaste were collected for one time in a week over four months (August - November 2010). The most important factors affecting the rate of generation of these wastes in selected hospitals were analyzed statistically to get a mathematical formula to calculate the amount of waste generated per day for each hospital. It is found that the generation rates were ranged from (1.074 - 3.844) Kg/capita/day through the study period. Due to the absence of regular application and workers conscious in management of medical solidwaste, the system management requires a safety environmental program to manage this waste, which minimizes the risks of public health and the environment.