BIOMEDICAL WASTE DISPOSAL PRACTICES OF HEALTH WORKERS IN RURAL HEALTH UNIT (RHU) ECHAGUE

This study examines the biomedical waste disposal practices among health workers in the Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Echague, Isabela, focusing on adherence to waste management protocols, challenges encountered, and potential interventions. Using a descriptive research design, the study surveyed thirty-four health workers through a structured questionnaire based on the Health Care Waste Management Manual (4th Edition, 2022) of the Department of Health. Mean and standard deviation were utilized to analyze gathered data. The study revealed that majority of the health workers always practiced proper disposal protocols, methods used, and overall compliance with biomedical waste management standards which suggests that the healthcare facility has successfully fostered a culture of adherence among its staff. However, occasional challenges were reported, particularly in resource availability, regulatory enforcement, and training gaps. The study highlights the need for continuous training, improved waste management infrastructure, stronger regulatory enforcement, optimized resource allocation, and feedback mechanisms to enhance compliance and ensure sustainable biomedical waste management practices in RHU Echague.