Medical waste management and practices in health institutions in Amasya

Today, the increase in waste types and waste amounts due to the increasing population causes problems that are important for institutions and organizations providing health services. Medical wastes, which are included in the special waste status as a result of health service activities, are of great importance for the environment and public health due to the potential hazards they contain. For this reason; all stages of the process from the generation of medical waste to its disposal must be carried out by the authorities with a very strict order and discipline. For the purpose of this scope, the definition, sources, classification of medical wastes, as well as their negative effects on the environment and human health were mentioned in the study. Seven different state hospitals in Amasya province and its districts were the subject of the study. These hospitals are Amasya Sabuncuoğlu Şerefeddin Training and Research Hospital, Merzifon Kara Mustafa Pasha State Hospital, Gümüşhacıköy State Hospital, Suluova State Hospital, Taşova State Hospital, Hamamözü State Hospital and Göynücek State Hospital. The amounts of medical waste generated as a result of the activities of the health institutions subject to the study were specified according to months and years and a study covering medical waste management and disposal process was carried out. It has been observed that the medical wastes generated in the institutions are disposed of by the company contracted by Amasya Municipality in accordance with the waste disposal regulation. In the light of the data obtained, it was tried to indicate the non-compliant, disruptive and deficient aspects of in-hospital medical waste management in accordance with the regulation and suggestions were made.