This report covers a review of data on the management of healthcare waste and its disposal, as part of a broader strategy of improving waste management in Pacific Island countries, and specifically to assist in establishing sustainable healthcare waste management. It presents findings of an assessment conducted for Palau, including recommendations and a proposed implementation plan for each recommendation to achieve sustainable management of healthcare waste in the country.
Recommendations include the need for Palau to:
-
Develop a healthcare waste management plan
-
Make available procurement of consumables (segregation and storage)
-
Implement segregation signage by supplying to explain the colour-coded segregation system as well as supply consumables to bed down more rigorous segregation practices
-
Improve the current training programme so that participation and compliance is improved
-
Establish a waste segregation auditing programme
-
Develope a short-term treatment infrastructure and procure a new incinerator
-
Supply appropriate procurement of consumables, including overalls/protective clothing, gloves and eye protection for all waste handlers
-
Upgrade the storage area of healthcare waste before disposal is not locked or adequately signed
Related Case Studies
