Optimizing Medical Waste Management in Primary Healthcare A Hands-On Workshop for Safer and Sustainable Practices

Authors

  • Kharisma Ayu Kurniawati Universitas Negeri Malang
  • Rahma Nuril Augist Universitas Negeri Malang
  • Ailsa Sahda Septi Cahyarani Universitas Negeri Malang
  • Melati Saharatu ‘Aini Universitas Negeri Malang
  • Naziha Nazlah Alhamid Universitas Negeri Malang
  • Mika Vernicia Humairo Universitas Negeri Malang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62255/noval.v3i1.194

Abstract


The management of medical waste in primary healthcare facilities is a critical issue due to its potential impact on public health and the environment. Improper handling of medical waste can lead to the spread of infectious diseases, environmental pollution, and risks to healthcare workers and communities. However, many primary healthcare facilities, particularly in developing countries, face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient training, and limited resources. This workshop aimed to address these gaps by using role-playing simulations to provide healthcare workers with practical knowledge and skills in managing medical waste. Participants were divided into groups to simulate scenarios involving waste segregation, storage, transportation, and coordination among stakeholders. The results highlighted the importance of proper waste classification, effective communication, and the use of technology to improve efficiency. Participants also identified key challenges, such as limited storage facilities and poor coordination, and proposed practical recommendations, including regular training, increased infrastructure, and digital tracking systems. This workshop demonstrated that structured interventions can enhance medical waste management practices, ensuring safer healthcare environments and better compliance with international standards.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Keywords:

Medical waste management, primary healthcare, role-playing simulation, waste segregation, stakeholder collaboration

References

Akkajit, P., Romin, H., & Assawadithalerd, M. (2020). Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice in respect of medical waste management among healthcare workers in clinics. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2020(1), 8745472.https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8745472

Awodele, O., Adewoye, A. A., & Oparah, A. C. (2016). Assessment of medical waste management in seven hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria. BMC Public Health, 16, 1–11.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-2916-1

Ben Jmaa, M., Ben Ayed, H., Ben Hmida, M., Maamri, H., Limam, M., Trigui, M., Ketata, N., Yaich, S., Feki, H., & Damak, J. (2023). Effectiveness of a training intervention about Healthcare Waste Management on the knowledge and practical skills of Healthcare Professionals in a Teaching Hospital of Southern Tunisia. Hospital Topics, 101(2), 55–64.https://doi.org/10.1080/00185868.2021.1969307

Das, A. K., Islam, M. N., Billah, M. M., & Sarker, A. (2021). COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare solid waste management strategy–A mini-review. Science of the Total Environment, 778, 146220.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146220

Dixit, A., Tyagi, A., Prakash, A., & Avasthi, S. (2023). Establishing Vast Network of Medical Institution to Reduce Medical Waste. 1–6.https://doi.org/10.1109/ICICAT57735.2023.10263721

Lee, S. M., & Lee, D. (2022). Effective medical waste management for sustainable green healthcare. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(22), 14820.https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214820

Prüss-Ustün, A., Wolf, J., Corvalán, C., Neville, T., Bos, R., & Neira, M. (2017). Diseases due to unhealthy environments: An updated estimate of the global burden of disease attributable to environmental determinants of health. Journal of Public Health, 39(3), 464–475.https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdw085

Sahoo, M. C., Pillai, J. S. K., Sahoo, B., Pillai, J. S., & SAHOO, B. (2024). Exploring Biomedical Waste Management Practices Among Healthcare Professionals: A Study From a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Eastern India. Cureus, 16(6).https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.61823

Singh, N., Ogunseitan, O. A., & Tang, Y. (2022). Medical waste: Current challenges and future opportunities for sustainable management. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 52(11), 2000–2022.https://doi.org/10.1080/10643389.2021.1885325

Stanojevi?, K., Radovanovi?, G., Makaji?, N. D., Savi?, G., Simeunovi?, B., & Petrovi?, N. (2022). Selection of the optimal medical waste incineration facility location: A challenge of medical waste risk management. Vojnosanitetski Pregled, 79(2), 125–132.https://doi.org/10.2298/VSP200521072S

Tank, A., & Khambhati, D. (2021). A New Approach for Effective Biomedical Waste Segregation and Disposal.

Windfeld, E. S., & Brooks, M. S.-L. (2015). Medical waste management–A review. Journal of Environmental Management, 163, 98–108.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.08.013

World Health Organization. (2025). Safe management of pharmaceutical waste from health care facilities: Global best practices.

Yi?it Hunce, S., Clemente Carrillo, R., & Bernal Calderón, M. P. (2020). Selection of Mediterranean plants biomass for the composting of pig slurry solids based on the heat production during aerobic degradation.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2020.01.001

Zhang, Z., Malik, M. Z., Khan, A., Ali, N., Malik, S., & Bilal, M. (2022). Environmental impacts of hazardous waste, and management strategies to reconcile circular economy and eco-sustainability. Science of The Total Environment, 807, 150856.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150856

Downloads

Published

2025-07-28

How to Cite

Kurniawati, K. A., Augist, R. N. ., Ailsa Sahda Septi Cahyarani, A. S. S. C., ‘Aini, M. S. ., Alhamid, N. N. ., & Humairo, M. V. . (2025). Optimizing Medical Waste Management in Primary Healthcare A Hands-On Workshop for Safer and Sustainable Practices. Inovasi Lokal, 3(1), 66–76. https://doi.org/10.62255/noval.v3i1.194

Most read articles by the same author(s)