Finding an Optimum Technology for Medical Waste Management at Upazila & Rural Level in Bangladesh

In this study, Singra Upazila of Natore district in Rajshahi division has been selected to achieve an effective and sustainable medical waste management system for the rural area of the country. Different types of HCEs such as upazila health complex, union sub centre, union health and family welfare centre, community clinic and Private clinic and diagnostic centre of the upazila were included in this study. To find the present Medical Waste Management (MWM) situation field observations were conducted at HCEs of the upazila. It helped to find the current practice of waste separation, handling, storage, treatment and disposal. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect information regarding public knowledge about MWM. Interviews were conducted with people involved in providing medical services and handling and disposing medical waste. After getting all the data from field observation and questionnaire survey, the results are accumulated by using MS Excel software. After that, results were presented by tables, graphs and charts. A GIS map also prepared to show the positions HCEs in the study area. It helped to show the communication system of the upazila. It also helped to visualize the current status and future system of MWM for the study area. To finding the possible optimum technology MCDA matrix were used. Finally, analysing all data, there were suggested possible solution solutions for different HCEs to improve of current MWM system.