Oman generates 12 tonnes of medical waste daily: Averda

Date

8/31/2016 1:45:49 AM

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat-

The number of hospitals around the country keeps growing, so does the amount of medical waste generated. According to conservative estimates about 12 tonnes of medical waste is generated in Oman every day.

The rapid growth in the healthcare industry has led to an increase in waste generated which needs specialised attention from collection to disposal as it is classified as hazardous.

Rajan Makkal

Averda is the only company in Oman treating medical waste. It has two facilities in Amerat and Liwa. Rajan Makkal, sales executive at Averda, said, 'Some 360 tonnes of medical waste is generated in a month in Oman which is collected, transported, treated and disposed of from all government-operated hospitals, public and private clinics and health centres, under the supervision and guidance of Be'ah.'

Medical waste may include items that are contaminated with or suspected of being contaminated with body fluids, blood or blood products, chemicals, used catheters, gloves, needles, soiled dressings and medical devices that can be loaded with viruses and bacteria. Makkal said, 'Hospitals and clinics are advised to segregate medical waste and keep it in special yellow bins in the basement at a cool temperature.

'The waste is collected and burnt in the incinerator at 800°C in our facility in Amerat. This produces fly ash, which significantly reduces health risk for public. The waste is not dumped into landfills or burnt in the open. The fly ash is stored as hazardous waste and it could be used in chemicals or industrial products.'

He added, 'We have 40 vehicles and a team of 120 people who collect medical waste from around 590 clinics and nearly 300 hospitals in Muscat. Our teams work 24x7 as the market is really big. The entire process is risky and our workers are administered Hepatitis B vaccine as any needlestick injury with contamination could be fatal.'

According to the latest WHO estimates, injuries from contaminated needles could cause Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV infections. Makkal, who has been in the industry for 15 years said, 'The concept of medical waste was new here before Averda came in 2006. There was a facility for government hospitals but the private hospitals used to dump their waste into landfills illegally which was extremely dangerous for people and the environment. The amount of waste generated increases by 15 per cent annually.

'On time collection of waste is a massive challenge for us as it can be hazardous if kept for a longer time. 'There are a few clinics or even people who use insulin at home and dump the needles in general waste. These could cause injuries to workers who are collecting waste. I would request the people to dispose their medical waste at homes separately. They can use small bins provided by us at homes. It will save the people who serve us.'

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