TURNING THREATS INTO OPPORTUNITIES: REVAMPING THE GAPS IN HOSPITAL WASTE MANAGEMENT THROUGH DOCUMENTATION, AWARENESS, AND SENSITIZATION FOR PUBLIC

Abstract

Hospital Waste Management (HWM) for a hospital is a vital aspect for maintenance of hospital hygiene, so that the public health safety is assured. However due to lack of systems integration and deployment apart from availability, waste management is ignored. The research explored Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences (AiMS) as a hub to identify these gaps through documentation and propose interventions to improve. Based on standard guidelines and processes, observational study followed by respondents data collection was done to correlate. As per observational study, HWM policy, plan and strategies were mainly missing and specific roles & responsibilities were poorly managed. Respondents data (Sample 46) correlated with observational study. 57% respondents were not aware of any HWM system in facility, 74% have not been aware of the any display of HWM plan, 67% were not aware of the policy, 57% lacked awareness about designated roles and responsibilities, 78% have not been able to participate or aware of progress review meetings, 87% lacked knowledge of departmental engagement. The identified gaps were later reported and proposed strategy is advised to improve the current devastating situation.