Solid Medical Waste Management

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 141 views

Analysis of the Solid and Liquid Medical Waste Management System in Dr. Ferdinand Lumban Tobing Sibolga in 2022

Introduction

Medical waste management in hospitals is a crucial issue that should not be ignored. The production of solid and liquid medical waste has the potential to pollute the environment and cause health problems if not handled properly. In this study, we aim to analyze the medical waste management system applied in RSU Dr. Ferdinand Lumban Tobing in Sibolga, Indonesia, in 2022.

Background

RSU Dr. Ferdinand Lumban Tobing in Sibolga, as one of the health facilities, produces a variety of solid and liquid medical waste that requires proper management. The hospital's waste management system is crucial in preventing environmental pollution and public health problems. However, the management of medical waste in hospitals is often neglected, and the lack of proper waste management can lead to serious consequences.

Research Methodology

The research method used in this study is descriptive, where the main focus is to understand the process of disposal of solid and liquid medical waste in Dr. Ferdinand Lumban Tobing. The population in this study consisted of medical waste managers, with a sample of 24 respondents. Data were obtained through observation, questionnaires, and interviews with respondents.

Solid Medical Waste Management

In the management of solid medical waste, it was found that hospitals use appropriate containers, such as waterproof containers, rust-resistant, and tight. The hospital also uses separate trash cans for medical and non-medical waste, as well as yellow plastic bags for infectious waste and safe boxes for sharp waste. Nevertheless, the use of personal protective equipment by officers is still minimal.

However, there are some deficiencies in waste management, such as the absence of brown bags for pharmaceutical chemical waste, red bags for radioactive waste, as well as solid medical waste containers that are not equipped with infection symbols. In addition, there is no special train for waste transportation and the process of segregation in a temporary disposal site has not been applied. Storage temperatures in the temporary disposal site are not regulated, and the infrastructure of the place is also considered inadequate.

Liquid Medical Waste Management

For liquid medical waste, the hospital applies the aeration method in the wastewater treatment installation. Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of waste management officers shows good results, with scores above 75%. Meanwhile, knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of channel officers are also positive, with a score that exceeds 75%.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Although the management of solid and liquid medical waste in Dr. Ferdinand Lumban Tobing has fulfilled most of the Permenkes Requirements No. 7 of 2019, there are still several aspects that need to be improved. Knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of the management staff are good, but adequate resources and formal training for managers are needed to improve the quality of waste management.

From the results of this study, it is recommended to conduct liquid waste testing, provide formal training for managers, and increase the number of human resources in this sector. Thus, it is expected that the management of medical waste in hospitals can be more optimal, reducing the risk of environmental pollution and public health problems.

Implications of the Study

The findings of this study have significant implications for the management of medical waste in hospitals. The study highlights the importance of proper waste management in preventing environmental pollution and public health problems. The results of this study can be used as a reference for hospitals and health facilities to improve their waste management systems.

Limitations of the Study

This study has some limitations. The sample size of 24 respondents may not be representative of the entire population of medical waste managers in the hospital. Additionally, the study only focused on the management of solid and liquid medical waste and did not consider other types of waste, such as hazardous waste.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on improving the waste management system in hospitals. This can be achieved by conducting further studies on the management of hazardous waste, improving the infrastructure of waste disposal sites, and increasing the number of human resources in this sector.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study aimed to analyze the medical waste management system applied in RSU Dr. Ferdinand Lumban Tobing in Sibolga, Indonesia, in 2022. The study found that the management of solid and liquid medical waste in the hospital has fulfilled most of the Permenkes Requirements No. 7 of 2019. However, there are still several aspects that need to be improved, such as the absence of brown bags for pharmaceutical chemical waste, red bags for radioactive waste, and the lack of special trains for waste transportation.

The study recommends conducting liquid waste testing, providing formal training for managers, and increasing the number of human resources in this sector. The findings of this study have significant implications for the management of medical waste in hospitals and can be used as a reference for hospitals and health facilities to improve their waste management systems.

Recommendations for Future Research

References

Permenkes No. 7 of 2019. (2019). Peraturan Menteri Kesehatan Republik Indonesia Nomor 7 Tahun 2019 tentang Pengelolaan Sampah Medis.
World Health Organization. (2019). Guidelines for the safe management of wastes from health-care activities.
Ministry of Health. (2020). Guidelines for the management of medical waste in Indonesia.

Appendix

Questionnaire used in the study
Interview guide used in the study
Observation checklist used in the study
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Medical Waste Management in Hospitals

Q: What is medical waste?

A: Medical waste is any waste that is generated by healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. This can include items such as used needles, syringes, gloves, and other disposable items that have come into contact with patients or bodily fluids.

Q: Why is medical waste management important?

A: Medical waste management is important because it helps to prevent the spread of diseases and infections. Improperly disposed of medical waste can contaminate the environment and pose a risk to public health.

Q: What are the different types of medical waste?

A: There are several types of medical waste, including:

Infectious waste: This includes items that have come into contact with bodily fluids, such as used needles and syringes.
Non-infectious waste: This includes items that have not come into contact with bodily fluids, such as paper and cardboard.
Hazardous waste: This includes items that are toxic or corrosive, such as chemicals and batteries.
Radioactive waste: This includes items that contain radioactive materials, such as medical isotopes.

Q: How should medical waste be disposed of?

A: Medical waste should be disposed of in a way that prevents the spread of diseases and infections. This can include:

Using designated containers for medical waste
Labeling and segregating medical waste
Using personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling medical waste
Disposing of medical waste in a secure and sanitary manner

Q: What are the regulations surrounding medical waste management?

A: The regulations surrounding medical waste management vary by country and region. In Indonesia, for example, the Ministry of Health has established guidelines for the management of medical waste, including the use of designated containers and the segregation of medical waste.

Q: What are the consequences of improper medical waste management?

A: Improper medical waste management can have serious consequences, including:

The spread of diseases and infections
Environmental pollution
Public health risks
Financial penalties and fines

Q: How can hospitals improve their medical waste management practices?

A: Hospitals can improve their medical waste management practices by:

Conducting regular audits and assessments of their waste management systems
Implementing policies and procedures for the management of medical waste
Providing training and education for staff on proper waste management practices
Investing in technology and equipment to improve waste management efficiency and effectiveness

Q: What role can healthcare professionals play in improving medical waste management?

A: Healthcare professionals can play a critical role in improving medical waste management by:

Following proper waste management procedures and protocols
Reporting any incidents or concerns related to medical waste management
Participating in training and education programs on waste management
Advocating for improved waste management practices and policies in their workplace.

Q: What are the benefits of proper medical waste management?

A: The benefits of proper medical waste management include:

Reduced risk of disease and infection transmission
Improved public health and safety
Reduced environmental pollution
Compliance with regulations and laws
Cost savings and efficiency gains.

Q: How can patients and the public get involved in medical waste management?

A: Patients and the public can get involved in medical waste management by:

Reporting any concerns or incidents related to medical waste management
Participating in public education and awareness campaigns on waste management
Supporting policies and initiatives that promote improved waste management practices
Encouraging healthcare professionals to follow proper waste management procedures and protocols.