Medical Waste Disposal Regulation in International Laws

Author Name(s): Kamil M. Arslanov, Arthur I. Khabirov, Gulnara M. Khamitova
Author Email: art.khabir@gmail.com

Abstract

The article discusses international and national experience in the legal regulation of medical waste disposal. Particular attention is paid to foreign experience and the possibility of legislation application and improvement on the disposal of medical waste in the Russian Federation. The development of medicine is currently characterized by a dynamic increase of medical waste volume. In this regard, the search is underway for new disposal and destruction technologies, as well as principles for medical waste management, the issues of activity legal regulation for the treatment of such waste are being discussed [1]. About 16 billion injections are given worldwide every year, but subsequently not all needles and syringes are properly disposed. Open burning and incineration of medical waste can, under certain circumstances, result in the release of dioxins, furans and solid particles. In collaboration with other partners, WHO has also developed a series of training modules on good practices in medical waste management covering all aspects of waste management activities, from waste identification and classification to the proposals that define their safe disposal, not related to incineration.

Introduction

Unutilized medical waste poses a serious threat to the environment. Much attention is paid abroad to the collection, disposal and recycling of medical waste. The process of safe disposal of this type of hazardous waste has long been established in European countries. In Russia, unfortunately, the situation with the waste of medical institutions is worse. The reason for this is the imperfect legislation of our country. It should be noted that the issues of medical waste management in Russian national legislation began to be regulated quite recently, the legislation in this area is still developing, which confirms the relevance of this study. According to the World Health Organization, of the total amount of waste generated as the result of health activities, about 85% are ordinary non-hazardous waste. The remaining 15% are considered hazardous materials, which may be infectious, toxic or radioactive. The measures providing safe and environmentally sound management of health care waste can prevent the adverse effects of such waste on health and the environment, including the unintentional release of chemical or biological hazards, including drug-resistant microorganisms, into the environment, thereby protecting the health of patients, population and the public [2].

 

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