Disposal and filtration of wastewater in hospitals of Markazi Province in 2009

Background: Hospital wastewater usually contains pathogenic micro-organisms, drugs, radio active materials, and toxic chemical elements that in case of being disposed without filtration, will result in pollution and spread of diseases. Therefore, evaluating the status of wastewater disposal in hospitals is necessary for proper planning. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive study in 2008, data collection was done by means of interviews, observations, and questionnaires in all hospitals of Markazi Province. Noticing the 33 items in the questionnaire, the overall conditions of the hospitals and the methods of using the sewage system were studied, and at the same time, filtration installations and wastewater disposal systems were inspected. Results: Of all the 19 hospitals, 10 used a conventional method of direct disposal of sewage to subterranean shafts, and of the 4 hospitals with filtration installations, three were practically out of order or were not efficient. Five of the hospitals were directly linked to the city sewage system without any pre-filtration. None of the hospitals had a specialized operator of sewage filtration and disposal system. Conclusion: Wastewater disposal in hospitals of Markazi Province is not desirable; therefore, such acts as conducting more specific surveys, creating a positive attitude in planners, and providing sufficient funds for filtering wastewater in some of the hospitals are suggested.