Assessment of Environmental and Health Risks Associated with the Management of Medical Waste in Mauritius

Abstract

The management as well as the associated Environmental and health risks of medical waste are of global concern. There exist critical steps for safe and scientific management of medical waste which healthcare establishment can adopt. Medical waste may be disposed using different methods which many countries have adopted. However, the disposal of medical waste needs to be carried out in a way that neither the environment nor the health conditions of people are put at risk as they are hazardous. This paper focuses on the assessment of potential risks associated with medical waste management in Mauritius. Two medical institutions: one private and one public have been purposely chosen for proper analysis. Observations have been made on how they manage their medical waste through visits in those institutions. Results have demonstrated that both institutions manage their medical waste differently. Recommendations on how to improve the practices of these two medical institutions of Mauritius have also been made.