Guidelines for Hospital Waste Management in Pakistan

At present there is no Management of Hospital or Health care Waste anywhere in Pakistan. Although some good basic groundwork has been carried out in an attempt to bring about improvements, the situation remain deplorable and represents a grave health risk, not only to medical staff but also to general public. Hospitals, veterinary clinics, laboratories and other health care facilities generate around 250,000 tons of hazardous medical waste each year in Pakistan. The risk of injury and infection resulting from the improper management of the waste is very high. In particular, the dangers of the spread of disease from the misuse of discarded syringes and the handling and resale of infected or blooded equipment, such as tubes, bags or plastic bottles are very serious indeed. This paper is intended to provide guidance on the safe and secure management of hospital waste to all those who produce, handle, transport and dispose such waste