Problems and Prospects of Medical Waste Management in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital

Student: Idorenyin Ibanga Akpan (Project, 2025)
Department of Environmental Resources Management
University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State

Abstract

ABSTRACT
The effective management of medical wastes is a pressing environmental concern within the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Cross River State, Nigeria, demanding immediate attention to avert potential crises. In surveyed government Healthcare Establishments (UCTH), the handling of medical wastes is suboptimal, exacerbated by a lack of budgetary provisions for systematic waste management. The integral nature of medical waste management in healthcare is underscored by the rising public apprehension over the disposal of infectious wastes, given the prevalence of communicable diseases like AIDS/HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses. Workers face heightened risks from sharp, infectious, chemical, and radioactive wastes, with concerns extending to the community, where groundwater and aquatic life are jeopardized by waste percolation. Addressing these challenges is critical to prevent water pollution and disturbances in aquatic ecosystems.

Keywords
PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT IN UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR TEACHING HOSPITAL
Filters
Institutions