Clinical Waste Segregation: Towards Implementation and Obstacles in Malaysian Private Clinics

Abstract

Clinical waste poses a major threat to human health and the environment if the management practice of this kind of waste is not conducted appropriately. In order to achieve sound management of clinical waste, a clear and scientifically-based definition needs to be established to understand what is meant by clinical waste, what its components are and what comprise the steps in its management. Segregation of clinical waste at the source is the basic step within appropriate management of clinical waste. The aim of this paper is to overview the existing research on the implementation and effectiveness of clinical waste segregation practice in healthcare facilities and it seeks to identify the issues and obstacles which hinder healthcare facilities from carrying out effective practice of clinical waste segregation and management. Several factors were found to act as obstacles such as lack of knowledge and awareness, lack of financial resources and insufficient budget allocation as well as a lack of comprehensive rules, regulations and standards.