Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 MSc. Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
2 PhD candidate, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 MSc. Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Health and Food Security, Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
4 Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
5 Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering Department of Occupational Health, School of Health Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, , Sabzevar, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Many chemicals and pharmaceuticals used in healthcare institutions are hazardous (toxic, carcinogenic, corrosive, flammable, reactive, explosive, etc.). Although constituting a small portion of medical waste, pharmaceutical chemicals pose significant potential risks, necessitating an investigation into their management in Sabzevar's urban hospitals. This study aims to provide relevant information for comprehensive planning and to improve the quality of health services in the future.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over 4 months in four public hospitals in Sabzevar City (Emdad, Mobini, Heshmatiyeh, and Vasei hospitals). Data collection involved checklists, interviews, observations, and assessments of the production, segregation, collection, storage, safety, transportation, and disposal of pharmaceutical chemical wastes.
Results: The total number of approved beds across the four hospitals was 859, with 609 active beds, resulting in an occupancy rate of 71%. The hospitals collectively produced 1,500 kg of waste per day, comprising 613 kg (41%) of ordinary waste, 873 kg (58.1%) of hazardous waste, and 14 kg (0.9%) of chemical waste.
Conclusion: In this study, hospitals had significant deficiencies in the management of pharmaceutical chemical wastes (identification, separation, collection, storage, and disposal). A comprehensive review of the waste management practices and adherence to the chemical and pharmaceutical waste management guidelines in the health centers is essential.
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Main Subjects
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