Waste management challenges of public health facilities subject to RDC 222/18

Abstract

RDC 222/18 represents an advancement in the area of health care waste management, however, some challenges need to be considered in order to achieve the expected impact on environmental health and quality of life of the population. In this perspective, considering that public health institutions need to be regulated by the body responsible for sanitary management, this study aims to report the academic experience of a health professional in gathering data related to sanitary inspections of public health services in a municipality in Southern Brazil and the challenges facing RDC 222/18. As an observation material, the inspection list applied in 28 public health care facilities were used. The obtained information was categorized according to the observed challenges. There were challenges in the management of Health Service Waste (RSS) related to the absence of a management plan, management failure, lack of external shelter, decision-making failures and technical responsibility. It was noted that, in order to comply with RDC 222/18 and its consequent positive impacts, this theme needs greater visibility amongst health professionals, particularly in the permanent education field.