Risk Mapping of Biomedical Waste in Healthcare Facilities of Northern Pakistan to Optimizing Waste Management

Abstract

In medical facilities, particularly in developing nations like Pakistan, handling trash produced during medical procedures is important since it could have a detrimental impact on the environment and the community. Maintaining a hygienic environment for the public, preventing infections, and reducing nosocomial problems all depend on efficient waste management to achieve SD 3 (Good Health and well-being). This study critically examines the environmental and health risks associated with biomedical waste management practices in four healthcare facilities in upper KPK and Gilgit-Baltistan, where waste disposal practices are often suboptimal. To assess their present waste management systems, the study examines trash collection, handling, and disposal practices at two public and two private hospitals. Inadequate biomedical waste treatment, erroneous disposal, and segregation are among the major environmental and public health risks of poor waste management. The results show significant deficiencies in established waste management procedures, highlighting the urgent need for improved waste segregation, employee education, and rigorous enforcement of legal requirements. In addition, the study looks at the wider environmental and public health effects of poor hospital waste management and provides practical suggestions for enhancing waste management procedures. This study provides important new information about the hazards of hospital waste in poor nations and management and policy recommendations that may help enhance healthcare waste management systems in comparable contexts.