THỰC TRẠNG QUẢN LÝ CHẤT THẢI RẮN LÂY NHIỄM TẠI BỆNH VIỆN ĐA KHOA TRÀ VINH

Abstract

Objective: To describe the current status of infectious medical waste management at Tra Vinh General Hospital. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 200 healthcare workers and 19 sanitation staff. Assessment was carried out using a checklist at 19 hospital departments, including records of infectious medical waste management and exposure among healthcare and sanitation workers (nurses, orderlies, cleaning staff), from November 2023 to October 2024 at Tra Vinh General Hospital. Results: The management of infectious medical waste at Tra Vinh General Hospital was generally in compliance with Circular 21 of the Ministry of Health, with 100% of waste segregated at source, collected twice daily, and transparently recorded. The hospital had designated storage areas, warning systems, and wastewater treatment meeting standards, adhered to regulated storage times, and contracted an external environmental company for treatment. However, some limitations remained, such as incomplete installation of classification instruction boards (only 89.5%), occasional mixing of infectious and domestic waste during patient surges, and the absence of an on-site incinerator. Conclusion: The hospital needs to strengthen infrastructure, add human resources, enhance training and supervision, and implement reward and penalty mechanisms to raise awareness, thereby improving waste management efficiency, safety, and infection control.