Abstract:
This study examined the infectious waste management practices in two hospitals (Naval hospital and Air force hospital) Islamabad in the light of environmental laws and hospital waste management rules. Data were collected using various methods such as survey questionnaires, interviews, informal group discussions, site, photographic documentation to assess the current infectious waste management system and practices. The Study revealed many discrepancies and weaknesses in the hospital waste management system. The results of the survey showed that segregation of all wastes was not conducted according to standards rules and regulations. This study showed that environmental law such PEPA 1997 and hospital waste management rule 2005 was not completely complied. The result also showed that the waste management team was not effective even the team members were not aware about environmental laws and standard waste management practices. Waste handling was also not according to the guideline provided by environmental laws. No protective clothing, gloves, masks were provided to waste management workers. Waste management team, doctors, nurses and sanitary staffs were not trained in dealing with hospital waste. In Naval hospital there was only one gray container for the collection of hospital waste with different bags. According to Naval hospital staff the blood sample were disposed in to laboratory drain using little tap water. It was concluded that the unsatisfactory current hospital waste management practices in both hospitals were mainly due to the lack of training, lack of awareness, and lack of knowledge of hospital waste management regulations.
