INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS FOR MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT IN NIGEIRA: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

Medical waste otherwise referred to as Healthcare Waste (HCW) constitutes a special category of waste because they contain potentially harmful substances. The challenge of proper management medical waste has become one of critical concerns in developing countries especially Nigeria. The concept of medical waste is wide, and it includes every waste generated in the process of diagnosis, treatment of patients and other medical procedures from all the types of healthcare institutions. There are various laws for management of medical wastes in Nigeria. Some of these laws also created or mandates specific institutions for management of wastes generated from healthcare facilities. Also, Health care facilities owes patient and other people that visits their facilities duty of care, and these duties includes ensuring that wastes generated thereat are properly disposed of. A number of studies have indicated that the inappropriate handling and disposal of medical waste poses health risks to health workers who may be directly exposed and to people near health facilities, particularly children and scavengers who may become exposed to infectious wastes. This paper aimed at appraising the roles of various institutions/bodies saddled with the responsibilities of medical waste management in Nigeria, thereby assessing their effectiveness and otherwise in discharge of their duties. The challenges these institutions faced in the course of their duties are also discussed. The paper adopted doctrinal methods of data collection and in doing so, looked at relevant statutory provisions, textbooks, journal articles etc. The study found among other things that several factors including lack of fund, equipment and inadequate manpower accounts for their poor performance. It is part of recommendations of the paper that adequate fund, skilled manpower and modern medical waste management equipment be provided by government. Private waste managers/contractors be also encouraged with grants and low interest rate loan. With our recommendations on ground, the medical waste management institutions/bodies will carry out their duties optimally thereby ensuring that our environment is medical waste free.