The House of Representatives at its plenary on Wednesday March 30, 2022 raised a motion on the need to ensure proper healthcare waste management in Nigeria.
Hon. Gboluga Ikengboju who moved the motion said Healthcare Waste (HCW) constitutes a distinct category of waste as it contains potentially harmful waste materials and as such are of critical concern globally, especially in developing Countries.
He also noted that the inappropriate handling and disposal of healthcare waste poses huge health risks to health workers who may be directly exposed and to people near health facilities, particularly children and scavengers who may become exposed to infectious wastes and risk of diseases.
Ikengboju further said that if no urgent action is taken to curb the menace and hazardous effect of poor management of medical waste in Nigeria, it may lead to the continued spread of diseases such as Hepatitis and all types of fever, with a serious negative impact on the health profile of most Nigerians.
A recent study showed that the current practices adopted for the management of healthcare wastes generated at many healthcare facilities such as Teaching Hospitals and Primary Health Centers are low, unsustainable and inappropriate for the protection of human health and the environment.
Cognizant that one of the most important responsibilities of government is to protect the lives of citizens and ensure a sustainable environment for future generations.
The House, therefore mandated the Committees on Healthcare Services, Health Institutions and Environment to interface with the Chief Medical Directors of University Teaching Hospitals, Medical Directors of Federal Medical Centre’s, and other Health Facilities in Nigeria which produce Healthcare Waste and other relevant stakeholders to determine possible interventions that will promote proper Healthcare Waste Management in Nigeria.
Olalere Taiwo
For Head of Press:
Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President On National Assembly Matters.
