Medical waste and health workers in Gaza governorates

Abstract

The study was conducted among health workers in Gaza to identify and highlight the problem of medical waste management. Data were collected through a questionnaire (given to 400 health workers), a checklist and interviews (with 16 decision-makers). Results show that there is no system for medical waste management in Gaza. Segregation is done only for sharps and there are no colour-coded bags. Medical waste is stored and disposed of with domestic waste in primary health care clinics and is incinerated in hospitals, but there are no emission control or safety measures. There are some gaps in knowledge of health care workers, and current practices are inadequate. However there is generally a positive attitude to improving medical waste management among those surveyed and interviewed. A national programme for medical waste management is essential in Palestine.