The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stressed the importance of Waste Management Plans (WMPs) for all healthcare facilities in the country.
Principal Programme Officer of EPA, Greater Accra East Tema Region, Mr. Herbert Eden Kpodo highlighted the significance of WMPs in guiding the operations of healthcare facilities.
The plans should encompass various aspects such as waste minimization, segregation, color coding, labeling, storage, transportation, and treatment. Mr. Kpodo emphasized that WMPs should be dynamic documents tailored to each facility’s activities.
Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in sanctions for the facilities.
According to Mr. Kpodo, healthcare waste poses significant risks to human health and the environment.
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Proper management of hospital waste not only ensures the safety of employees and patients but also mitigates the spread of dangerous infections and diseases.
Citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), he stated that approximately 15 percent of waste generated by healthcare activities is classified as healthcare waste, while the remaining 85 percent is general waste.
He concluded pledging the Agencies commitment to promoting the well-being of Ghanaians through relentless efforts in waste management and safety standards within healthcare environments.
