A STUDY ON PROBLEMS OF MANAGEMENT OF MEDICAL SOLID-WASTES IN DAR-ES-SALAAM AND THEIR REMEDIAL MEASURES

The collection, storage and disposal of medical solid wastes is a grow ing environmental problem in Tanzania which needs immediate attention before it goes out of hand. While the Government of Tanzania is making efforts to expand medical services by allowing private hospitals in t he country, the management of medical wastes has received little atten tion despite their potential environmental hazards and public health r isks. This paper discusses the results of a study on management of med ical wastes in small hospitals and dispensaries in Dar es Salaam city. The study revealed that medical wastes are not properly managed in mo st hospitals and dispensaries. The medical facilities are characterize d by inadequate and inappropriate refuse storage facilities, lack of r efuse collection services, improper disposal methods and inadequate an d inappropriate protective gear for refuse handlers. A number of remed ial measures to improve the situation including the construction of a commercial incinerator in the city are suggested. (C) 1997 Elsevier Sc ience B.V.