The Importance of Medical Waste Management this Pandemic

When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, the main focus of the governments has been on improving the healthcare systems and providing for the needs of the people.  And while mobility is restricted, an unprecedented rapid increase in medical waste generation posed a challenge to our environment, public health, and safety.  With such a predicament, there is an urgent need to pay attention to medical waste management systems. Why so?

Treating and attending to Covid-19 patients requires our front liners to use tons of PPEs such as masks, gloves, body suits, and face shields higher than normal. Testing potential infected persons consumes dozens of testing kits. The increase in waste generation then calls for an increase in handling capacity for healthcare wastes.

There is a need to implement appropriate collection protocols and treatment techniques such as using more disinfectants or storing the waste for nine days before movement to reduce risks of further infections. Handling techniques may vary from each country but WHO has formulated special guidelines to manage medical waste.

Without proper medical waste management, wouldn’t it be ironic that the things we use to save people caused others to be harmed? On top of that, we will be disrupting environmental sustainability. Hence, there is an urgent global call to gear towards reform to reduce plastic packaging and lean towards eco-friendly PPEs and non-burnable waste treatment facilities to cope with our dire situation. Proper medical waste management is a lifeline and a must!