Evaluation of Hospital Waste Management Practices at Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, Gombe State

This study evaluates healthcare waste management practices at the Federal Medical Centre in Gombe, Gombe State, North East Nigeria. Healthcare facilities generate hazardous waste streams including sharps, infectious waste, pharmaceutical waste, and chemotherapy residues that pose occupational safety and environmental risks if improperly managed. Assessment was conducted using direct observation, key informant interviews with infection control staff and waste handlers, and a document review of the facility's waste management plan and disposal records. Waste generation rates by category were estimated through a structured waste weighing exercise over two weeks. Evaluation criteria were drawn from the Federal Ministry of Health Healthcare Waste Management Regulations and WHO standards. Results show that the facility generates approximately 142 kilograms of waste per day, of which 34 percent is classified as infectious or sharps waste. Waste segregation at the point of generation is inconsistent, with non-hazardous waste frequently found in sharps containers and vice versa. An on-site autoclave is present but operates below specified sterilisation temperatures due to maintenance deficiencies. Final disposal of treated infectious waste is to an open pit within the facility compound rather than to a licensed clinical waste burial site. Personal protective equipment use among waste handlers is incomplete, with 40 percent not wearing gloves during waste collection rounds. The study concludes that significant improvements are needed across the full waste management chain. Recommendations include staff training, autoclave servicing, and engagement with a licensed clinical waste contractor. Keywords: healthcare waste, hospital waste management, infectious waste, Gombe State, waste disposal.