1. CURRENT HOSPITAL WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN PAKISTAN- COMPARATIVE STUDY
Sanwal Ali, Usman Mehmood and Asad Ullah Malik
National University of Sciences & Technology, H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
 Evaluation of the existing hospital waste
management process in
Rawalpindi/Islamabad.
 Comparison between public hospitals and
private hospitals
 Remedial Measures to address the
problem.
Introduction
Diseases can be caused by ill-treated waste,
generated by hospitals during various course
of operations. Developed countries ensure
regimented hospital waste management at all
levels; the field however is still in embryonic
stages in Pakistan. One of the primary
reasons for non-implementation is the lack of
awareness regarding its significance and long-
term effects. Poor waste management ,
especially in private hospitals leads to
different categories of wastes, such as
disposable needles, broken glasses,
pharmaceuticals, radioactive solids, liquids
and gases being mixed together , thus posing
alarming threats to human health. While
many preventive measures have already been
suggested in literature, a densely populated
third world country like Pakistan requires
practical curative measures to tackle this
grave issue.
The existing condition was reviewed in light
of relevant literature review and knowledge
and opinions of the interviewees. Having
analyzed the primary data findings in the
light of secondary information, the results
have been presented in the forms of tables
and graphs to help readers gain deeper
insight into the subject in question. Lastly
suggestions have been established with the
purpose of helping concerned organizations in
improvement of existing conditions in
Pakistan.
From the study it can be inferred that
hospitals in both public and private sectors
did not followed the hospital waste
management procedures properly that are
laid down by WHO. The public hospitals’
waste management process was better as
compared to the hospitals in private sectors.
Usually color coding was followed in all
hospitals, however all the hospitals showed
lack of proper procedures for waste
collection, waste transportation and waste
disposal. Junior staff was also not well aware
of effective waste disposal techniques and
health care issues that can arise from
improper practices.
Although the preventive code of practice
presented by WHO is available. The problem
lies mainly in the ineffective implementation
of these regulations, and lack of funds and
awareness. Inadequacy of funds can be a
constraint here, while the other two causes
can be addressed and substantially rectified.
We propose:
1. The local municipal to check and timely
monitor the waste management
activities, ensuring no improper practice
is being carried out.
2. Organizing periodic awareness campaigns
and seminars that signify the importance
of managing hospital waste.
3. Formulation of an administrative body
within the hospital that efficaciously
supervises all these waste management
activities and not merely restricted to
documentation.
Waste Production
i.e. Pathological,
Infectious, Chemical,
Pharmaceutical &
Sharps .etc.
Segregation
according to
Color Coding
Sweepers Chutes
Collection Point
Trucks &
Dumpers
Attock Oil
Refinery
Incinerators
Fly ash used in
Buildings and
Roads
Recyclable
LIFTS
CSSD
COUNTING
WASHING
ASSEMBLING
RECORDING
PACKING AND
TAGGING
AUTOCLAVING
Non-Recyclable
SWEEPERS
CHUTES
COLLECTION
POINT
TRUCKS AND
DUMPERS
ATTOCK OIL
REFINERY
INCINERATORS
Objectives
Methodology
Samples were established through systematic
sampling technique and semi-structured
questionnaires were formed to conduct
interviews from the sample members. Sample
members were selected from private
hospitals and public sector hospitals of
Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The sample
participants included doctors, nurses,
sanitary workers, patients and the hospital
administration.
Observation
Conclusion
Recommendations
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
DOCTORS AND
NURSING
WARD INCHARGE SANITARY WORKERS
AND JANITORS
73.33%
45%
5.7%
86.67%
55%
11.5%
GENERAL AWARENESS SURVEY
Private Sector Hospital Public Sector Hospital
%
3.50%
7.50%
10.00%
2.50%
20.00%
56.50%
Average Weight Produced As
Per Categories Defined by
WHO*
Sharps
Infectious
Pathological
Radioactive
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals Others (often sanitary waste
produced at hospitals)
*These values represent average waste generated as a percent of the
total per capita waste produced daily
Results Real Time Snapshots1
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4
5 6
3
7
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