Evaluation of Different Healthcare Waste Management Practices and Problems among Primary and Secondary Hospitals in Mianwali

Background: Healthcare waste management is a critical component of public health, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan, where inadequate waste handling poses significant risks to healthcare workers, the environment, and the community. Primary and secondary hospitals often face different challenges due to infrastructure, resources, and waste volume variations. This study evaluates healthcare waste management practices and identifies associated problems in primary and secondary hospitals in Mianwali. Objective: To evaluate the healthcare waste management practices in primary and secondary hospitals in Mianwali. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in public hospitals of Mianwali. About 112 participants, including staff from primary (59) and secondary (53) hospitals, were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and quantitative observations. Key areas assessed included waste segregation, storage, transportation, treatment methods, staff training, and compliance with regulations. Results: Primary hospitals demonstrated higher compliance with segregation practices (80% using color-coded bins) compared to secondary hospitals (70%). However, secondary hospitals had more frequent training sessions (93% of staff trained) and generated higher volumes of hazardous waste (20% compared to 15% in primary hospitals). Challenges reported included a lack of resources (70-75%), inadequate infrastructure (11.7-5%), and insufficient enforcement of regulations. Significant gaps were observed in the disposal of pathological, cytotoxic, and liquid waste, with secondary hospitals more likely to use outdated incineration methods (85% vs. 60%). Conclusion: The study highlights disparities in healthcare waste management practices between primary and secondary hospitals. While primary hospitals excel in segregation compliance, secondary hospitals face challenges in resource allocation and infrastructure. Addressing these issues requires targeted training programs, stricter enforcement of regulations, and investment in modern waste treatment technologies.