Assessment Of Cost And Resource Utilization In Hospital Waste Management In A Tertiary Care Hospital.

Introduction: Hospital waste management is an integral component of healthcare infrastructure, significantly impacting environmental and public safety.With the rise in disposable products, extensive packaging, and institutionalized healthcare, the magnitude of hospital waste generation has increased manifold.Aim: To ascertain the cost and the resources being utilized for management of hospital waste by the hospital in compliance with legal requirement. Methodology:The study was conducted in multi-speciality hospital in New Delhi, India, a 675-bedded hospital with nearly 95% bed occupancy.Employing a descriptive exploratory design, the research was conducted over one year and included both prospective observational and retrospective analysis of waste management practices and cost trends.Primary data were collected through systematic observation, and secondary data were retrieved from hospital records such as registers, files, and reports. Results:The study revealed that consumables and supplies constituted the largest cost component in waste management, amounting to 1,27,49,403/-(80.96% of total costs).Contingency expenses accounted for 14,25,988/-(9.05%),while salaries, wages, and services together contributed 11,73,273/-(7.45%).Infrastructure costs were the lowest at 3,94,202/-(2.50%).Conclusion: Hospital waste management is economically viable, with costs constituting a minimal percentage of hospital expenses.The study highlights the importance of efficient waste management practices, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and environmental safety.Continuous improvement and innovation in dynamic management systems can further enhance waste management practices to align with legal and environmental standards