Waste associated health hazards in different private hospitals: an alarming situation

Abstract

Objective: To observe the existing waste management system in different private hospitals and to find out the possible health hazards associated with waste management. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at ten different hospitals of Multan from November 2018 to December 2018. Data were collected from 630 beds in ten hospitals. Administrative staff, doctors, nurses, laboratory staff and field workers were interviewed regarding waste management system on a pre-designed questionnaire. The existing waste management system in these hospitals was critically reviewed. Data analyzed by SPSS version 20. Results: A large number of waste material was produced in all the hospitals. The maximum production was general waste material (27%) followed by infectious waste (23%), pathological waste (13%), radiological waste (12%) and pharmaceutical waste (10%). The use of proper waste management techniques were rarely observed in most of the hospitals. However, availability of waste collecting containers was found present in most of the hospitals. Most of the staff was not familiar with the standard procedure of waste management system and there was lack of proper waste management system in most of the hospitals. Conclusion: A proper waste management system is needed in most of the hospitals in order to avoid spread of associated diseases. Awareness and extensive training of the staff are required to improve the existing waste management system.