Problems in the Implementation of Biomedical Waste Management Programme at Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram – A Qualitative Study
Abstract
Background: With infectious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis B wreaking havoc, hospital waste can be a serious public health threat. In spite of the various measures taken by the authorities at Medical College Thiruvananthapuram, it was observed that the hospital waste management system was not operating effectively. This study was conducted with the purpose of understanding the problems and difficulties that prevented the effective implementation of a hospital waste management system at MCH, Thiruvananthapuram.
Objectives: 1. To understand the existing practices of hospital waste segregation, transport and disposal at Govt Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram; 2. To understand the awareness and attitude of different categories of hospital personnel regarding biomedical waste management; 3. To identify the problems and difficulties encountered during the process and to identify potential solutions for the problems.
Methodology: This study was done using the qualitative method. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted among the Key Stakeholder categories, which included the Hospital Superintendent, Heads of the Departments and Faculty members, Junior Doctors, Nursing staff, Attenders and Waste movers and Disposers. Direct observations were made. Data analysis included transcription and translation of audio recordings, coding, unitising, domain identification, summarising and report writing.
Results: Knowledge was found to be sufficient. Waste minimization was unsatisfactory. Waste Management Infrastructure was not sufficient. Manpower was not adequate. Segregation of wastes was poor. The nursing staff and auxiliary staff did the segregation more or less correctly. But the junior doctors and house surgeons did poorly. Grade II workers manually sorted the waste which has been already deposited in the bins. Many disposal methods were inappropriate. Bystander control was poor.
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