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The Risk and its Mitigation

Due to its nature, healthcare waste poses a significant Healthcare institutions across Oman annually
risk of infectious contamination and injury. It is generate around 4,500 tonnes of healthcare
generated from hospitals, clinics, dental practices, waste, the highest quantity of which is produced
blood banks and veterinary premises, as well as in Muscat Governorate where many regional,
medical research facilities and laboratories. specialized and private healthcare institutions
are located. Dhofar, North Batinah and South
Healthcare waste can contain infectious agents, Sharqiyah governorates come second in this regard.
sharp objects, toxic material, hazardous chemicals Hazardous healthcare waste comprises up to
or pharmaceuticals, can be radioactive and 15 -20% of the total healthcare waste generated.
genotoxic. All individuals exposed to hazardous
healthcare waste are potentially at risk, including
those within health-care establishments and
those who handle such waste. Mismanagement
or careless handling of such waste can have
serious consequences on public health.

Healthcare Waste is Waste Generated:
from hospitals, clinics, dental practices, blood banks and veterinary
premises, as well as medical research facilities and laboratories.

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