Hospital solid waste management systems and practices at University Teaching Hospital Of Kigali (Chuk), Rwanda:

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Date
2010-09
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Publisher
Kampala International University, School of Natural and Applied Sciences
Abstract
This study investigated hospital solid waste management systems and practices at University teaching hospital of Kigali (CHUK) for improving environmental management by promoting the safe and appropriate management of waste from hospitals. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methodologies was used to record necessary information. Data were analyzed with SPAS version 18.0 statistical software. Student test and chi-squared tests were mainly applied to assess the data The results of this study revealed that CHUK produced two types of waste: Infectious waste (Sharp &Non-Sharp) and Non-Infectious waste, which have been categorized into two classes by considering its bio-characteristics; Biodegradable waste and Non Biodegradable waste. Results gave an overall average weight of 429 kg/day of Non- Biodegradable waste generated at CHUK. Our study showed that there was no clear policy and plan in place for managing hospital waste at CHUK. Segregation of hospital solid is not conducted according to definite rules and standards. The hospital does not label infectious waste with Bio hazard symbol. The questionnaire survey revealed that there are two treatment and disposal options for treated HCW; the incineration was the main method for the On-site treatment of all combustible waste and off-site landfill is the remaining option for treatment of all Biodegradable waste Survey had indicated that CHUK provides protective gears and training to all personnel who are engaged in HCW management. Despite of the provision of protective gear, some concerns were reported include injuries from needles stick, sickness and inappropriate bins and improper incineration practice. In the light of the above observations made, a number of recommendations are hereby made with the hope of improving the management of hospital waste in Rwandan hospitals in general and University Teaching Hospital of Kigali in particular
Description
A Thesis Presented to the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research Kampala International University ,In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Environmental Management and Development
Keywords
Hospital solid waste management, Management systems, University teaching hospital, Rwanda
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