Medical Waste Management in Primary Health Care Centers, Tripoli

Abstract

Medical waste management (MWM) is a critical public health and environmental concern, given the potential hazards posed by improperly handled biomedical materials. Inadequate management of such waste can lead to severe consequences, including disease transmission, environmental contamination, and occupational risks for healthcare workers and waste handlers. To assess different medical waste management practices in primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Tripoli, Libya.  A cross-sectional study for 35 primary health care centers in the seven municipalities of the Tripoli district was conducted between 1st February 2023 and to end of June 2023.  The Majority of PHC (97%) have at least one trash bag in each room; however, only 20% of them use colored trash bags to collect infected medical wastes. Also, the majority of primary health care facilities use safety boxes for the collection of sharp medical wastes; however, they also use plastic tanks instead of or in addition to safety boxes. In addition, to majority of safety boxes were filled more than three-quarters. Medical waste management practices in Tripoli's PHCCs are inadequate, posing significant risks. Urgent intervention is needed, focusing on training, provision of supplies, and establishing a centralized waste management system