Study on coefficient of medical waste for healthcare facilities

Objective To investigate the quantities of medical waste produced by healthcare facilities in Hangzhou,figure out the coefficient of medical waste,and provide a basis for the medical waste mang ement.Methods Questionnaires were provided to healthcare facilities in Hang zhou to investigate basic data and sickbed utilization rates.All medical waste waste produced in the healthcare facilities was weighed,and coefficients of medical waste were worked out as kg/bed/day(10 persons).Results 305 healthcare facilities were investigated from January 1,2005 to Deccmber 13,2007.The results showd that coefficients of medical waste were form 0.5 kg/bed/day to 2.2 kg/bed/day and the average was(1.26±0.52)kg/bed/day for the 91 hospitals abo ve count y or district level.The average coefficient for 199 dental surgeon,village and towns cliniscs wtihout inpatient ward was(1.26±0.51)kg/10 persons,and(5.77±4.50)kg/day for 15 CDCs.Conclusion Results of the inv est igation showed that the coefficients of medical waste for healthcare facilities at Hangzhou in 2005 were similar to that of the developed conutries published by WHO in 1999,lower than that of Shanghai and Wuhan,and one time higher than that of the city in 2001.