Analysis Of Solid Medical Waste Management At H. Adam Malik Medan Hospital In 2019
Introduction
The management of solid medical waste is a critical issue in hospitals worldwide. If not handled properly, it can pose a significant threat to the environment and public health. Therefore, efficient management is essential to minimize the risks associated with medical waste. This article reviews the management of solid medical waste at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan in 2019, based on descriptive research involving interviews and direct observations.
Background
Solid medical waste is a byproduct of various medical services provided in hospitals. It includes items such as disposable gloves, syringes, and other materials used in medical procedures. The production of solid medical waste is a significant concern in hospitals, as it can lead to environmental pollution and health risks if not managed properly. In Indonesia, the Ministry of Health has issued regulations to ensure that hospitals manage their medical waste effectively.
Methodology
This study employed a descriptive research approach, involving interviews and direct observations. The data collection process involved visiting the hospital's service units, including the Emergency Room Installation (IGD), Central Medical Unit (CMU), Pavilion, Heart Inpatient (IRJ), and Body Services (PJT). The researchers also conducted interviews with hospital staff and management to gather information on the hospital's medical waste management practices.
Results
The study found that the amount of solid medical waste produced by H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan reached 300-400 kg per day. The main sources of this waste come from various service units, including the Emergency Room Installation (IGD), Central Medical Unit (CMU), Pavilion, Heart Inpatient (IRJ), and Body Services (PJT). This shows that there are many areas in hospitals that contribute to the volume of medical waste, and it is essential to implement the appropriate management strategy for each of these sources.
Medical Waste Management at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan
The hospital's medical waste management practices have met the criteria stipulated in the Minister of Health Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 7 of 2019, with a score of 500. This indicates that the hospital has carried out the procedures needed to handle medical waste effectively. However, even though it meets the standards, there is still room for improvement, especially in terms of infrastructure.
Incinerator Maintenance
One important point that is concerned is the condition of the incinerator used to burn medical waste. This study recommends that H. Adam Malik General Hospital make repairs and routine maintenance on the incinerator. Insinerators that function properly are the key in managing safe and effective medical waste. Inadequacy in treatment can risk causing imperfect combustion, which can produce pollutants harmful to the environment and health.
Conclusion
Overall, although H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan already has a medical waste management policy in accordance with government regulations, further improvement action is needed to ensure that the management process can run optimally. Good medical waste management not only protects the environment but also makes a positive contribution to public health. With an effort to improve infrastructure and maintenance routines, it is hoped that H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan can be an example in the practice of managing good medical waste in Indonesia.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- H. Adam Malik General Hospital should make repairs and routine maintenance on the incinerator to ensure that it functions properly.
- The hospital should implement a more effective medical waste management system, including segregation, storage, and disposal of medical waste.
- The hospital should provide training and education to its staff on the importance of proper medical waste management and the procedures for handling medical waste.
- The hospital should establish a system for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of its medical waste management practices.
Limitations of the Study
This study has several limitations, including:
- The study was conducted at a single hospital, and the findings may not be generalizable to other hospitals.
- The study relied on secondary data, which may not be accurate or up-to-date.
- The study did not investigate the economic and social impacts of medical waste management on the hospital and the community.
Future Research Directions
Future research should focus on the following areas:
- Investigating the economic and social impacts of medical waste management on hospitals and communities.
- Developing and implementing more effective medical waste management systems in hospitals.
- Conducting studies on the environmental and health impacts of medical waste management in hospitals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of proper medical waste management in hospitals. The findings of this study suggest that H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan has made significant progress in managing its medical waste, but there is still room for improvement. The recommendations made in this study are aimed at improving the hospital's medical waste management practices and ensuring that they meet the standards set by the government.
Q: What is solid medical waste?
A: Solid medical waste is a byproduct of various medical services provided in hospitals. It includes items such as disposable gloves, syringes, and other materials used in medical procedures.
Q: Why is solid medical waste management important?
A: Solid medical waste management is important because it can pose a significant threat to the environment and public health if not handled properly. Improper disposal of medical waste can lead to environmental pollution and health risks.
Q: What are the main sources of solid medical waste in hospitals?
A: The main sources of solid medical waste in hospitals come from various service units, including the Emergency Room Installation (IGD), Central Medical Unit (CMU), Pavilion, Heart Inpatient (IRJ), and Body Services (PJT).
Q: How much solid medical waste is produced by H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan per day?
A: The study found that the amount of solid medical waste produced by H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan reached 300-400 kg per day.
Q: What is the current medical waste management policy at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan?
A: The hospital's medical waste management practices have met the criteria stipulated in the Minister of Health Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 7 of 2019, with a score of 500.
Q: What are the recommendations made by this study?
A: The study recommends that H. Adam Malik General Hospital make repairs and routine maintenance on the incinerator, implement a more effective medical waste management system, provide training and education to its staff, and establish a system for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of its medical waste management practices.
Q: What are the limitations of this study?
A: The study has several limitations, including the fact that it was conducted at a single hospital, relied on secondary data, and did not investigate the economic and social impacts of medical waste management on the hospital and the community.
Q: What are the future research directions?
A: Future research should focus on investigating the economic and social impacts of medical waste management on hospitals and communities, developing and implementing more effective medical waste management systems in hospitals, and conducting studies on the environmental and health impacts of medical waste management in hospitals.
Q: Why is it important to improve medical waste management practices in hospitals?
A: Improving medical waste management practices in hospitals is important because it can help protect the environment and public health. Proper management of medical waste can also reduce the risk of environmental pollution and health risks associated with improper disposal of medical waste.
Q: What are the benefits of proper medical waste management in hospitals?
A: The benefits of proper medical waste management in hospitals include reducing the risk of environmental pollution and health risks, protecting public health, and improving the overall quality of care provided in hospitals.
Q: How can hospitals improve their medical waste management practices?
A: Hospitals can improve their medical waste management practices by implementing a more effective medical waste management system, providing training and education to their staff, and establishing a system for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of their medical waste management practices.
Q: What role can the government play in improving medical waste management practices in hospitals?
A: The government can play a role in improving medical waste management practices in hospitals by providing guidelines and regulations for medical waste management, providing funding and resources for hospitals to improve their medical waste management practices, and conducting regular inspections and monitoring to ensure compliance with regulations.