Problems in the Management of Medical Waste in Thailand
Somwang Danchaivijitr MD*, Somporn Santiprasitkul MSc**, Varaporn Pumsuwan MSc**, Suwanna Tiersuwan MSc***, Kakanang Naksawas MSc****
Affiliation : *Department of Medicine, **Center for Nosocomial Infection Control, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok ***Department of Sanitation, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi ****Department of Medicine, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Objectives : To identify problems in the management of medical waste in Thailand for future development.
Materials and Methods : The study was done in 39 hospitals during June and July 2002 by interviewing
medical personnel on knowledge and attitude in management of medical waste, observation of practice and
checking the amount of medical waste in waste bags. Certain laboratory investigations were done in dustmen.
Results : The amount of medical waste was 0.41 kilogram per bed per day. Problems identified were inad-
equate knowledge in management, improper practices, high incidence of sharp injury at work. Laboratory
tests in dustmen showed evidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in 3.4%, parasites and intestinal pathogens in
stools 5.1% and positive for HBsAg in 8.5%.
Conclusion : Improper management of medical waste was present in all hospitals. Risks of exposure and
incidence of infection related to the management were at concerned levels. Education and practice guide-
lines are needed.
Keywords : Problems, Management, Medical waste, Thailand
