EVALUATION OF HOSPITAL WASTE MANAGEMENT IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS HOSPITALS IN KHYBER PAKHTONKHWA, PAKISTAN
1
Department of Microbiology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, MARDAN, Pakistan
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The healthcare sector generates a substantial amount of medical waste during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This waste is classified into hazardous (infectious materials, pathological specimens), semi-hazardous (non-infectious but contaminated items), and non-hazardous (paper, plastic packaging). Medical waste often harbors pathogenic microorganisms that pose significant risks to public health, animals, and the environment. This study aims to assess hospital waste generation, its impact on public health, and the strategies for its management, treatment, and disposal in both public and private sector hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
METHODS:
This quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2024 to January 2025 to assess hospital waste management practices in eight public and private hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising 28 questions focusing on waste segregation, collection, disposal methods, and staff training. The study involved direct observations of waste generation areas, including all hospital wards, to assess waste composition, collection procedures, and packaging methods. Healthcare staff from various departments participated in the survey
RESULTS:
The findings of this study revealed that 95.2% of hospital waste comprised infectious waste, sharps and chemical, while 4.8% consisted solely of pharmaceutical waste. Centralized waste collection points were utilized by 42.9% of hospitals. Manual collection and transportation of waste were reported in 81% of cases. Chemical disinfection prior to disposal was practiced by 47.6% of hospitals. Additionally, 47.6% of hospitals reported previous incidents related to improper waste disposal. Regular training on waste handling was provided in 76.2% of hospitals. Among infection cases associated with hospital waste, 81% included influenza, tuberculosis, and typhoid. Furthermore, 42.9% of hospitals lacked collaboration with public health authorities for waste management.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study identifies gaps in hospital waste management highlighting infectious waste risks, inadequate disinfection, and poor coordination. Strengthening policies, staff training, and public health collaboration is crucial.
The healthcare sector generates a substantial amount of medical waste during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This waste is classified into hazardous (infectious materials, pathological specimens), semi-hazardous (non-infectious but contaminated items), and non-hazardous (paper, plastic packaging). Medical waste often harbors pathogenic microorganisms that pose significant risks to public health, animals, and the environment. This study aims to assess hospital waste generation, its impact on public health, and the strategies for its management, treatment, and disposal in both public and private sector hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
METHODS:
This quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2024 to January 2025 to assess hospital waste management practices in eight public and private hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising 28 questions focusing on waste segregation, collection, disposal methods, and staff training. The study involved direct observations of waste generation areas, including all hospital wards, to assess waste composition, collection procedures, and packaging methods. Healthcare staff from various departments participated in the survey
RESULTS:
The findings of this study revealed that 95.2% of hospital waste comprised infectious waste, sharps and chemical, while 4.8% consisted solely of pharmaceutical waste. Centralized waste collection points were utilized by 42.9% of hospitals. Manual collection and transportation of waste were reported in 81% of cases. Chemical disinfection prior to disposal was practiced by 47.6% of hospitals. Additionally, 47.6% of hospitals reported previous incidents related to improper waste disposal. Regular training on waste handling was provided in 76.2% of hospitals. Among infection cases associated with hospital waste, 81% included influenza, tuberculosis, and typhoid. Furthermore, 42.9% of hospitals lacked collaboration with public health authorities for waste management.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study identifies gaps in hospital waste management highlighting infectious waste risks, inadequate disinfection, and poor coordination. Strengthening policies, staff training, and public health collaboration is crucial.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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