Current practices of waste management in teaching hospitals and presence of incinerators in densely populated areas

Abstract Background Hospital waste management (HWM) practices are the core need to run a proper health care facility. This study encompasses HWM in teaching hospitals of Peshawar, Pakistan and examine enforcement Pak (2005) rules risks through transmission pathogens via blood fluids, air pollution during incineration injuries occurring conjunction with open burning dumping. Methods A questionnaire based on World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations was used survey selected private public hospital ( n = 16). Site visits personnel observations were also included data. It spatio-statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics, Krushkal-wallis Fisher’s exact tests. Results The findings revealed that lack all surveyed p > 0.05), besides statistical difference < 0.017) generation/day. No segregation from generation point final disposal practiced. However, performance (50%) found better terms practices. In hospitals, only nine (56.3%) incinerator facility while rest (43.7%) practiced Moreover, operational parameters incinerators not satisfactory located densely populated areas emitting hazardous gases. Conclusion Proper being followed light WHO guidelines. impose serious menace healthcare workers nearby population. issued documents for improving but triggered no change Pakistan. To improve situation, insights this context is rules.