Pharmaceutical
Waste Management in Healthcare: A Comprehensive Study on Environmental Implications,
Current Practices and Strategies for Sustainable Solutions
Chinnarao Menda, Ch. Ramakrishna, Umadevi Randi and Abbaraju V D N Kumar
Res. J. Chem. Environ.; Vol. 29(2); 62-74;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/292rjce062074; (2025)
Abstract
The pharmaceutical industry, which is vital for healthcare, faces challenges in
effective pharmaceutical waste management, impacting financial resources and healthcare
quality. This study addresses these challenges by classifying waste, exploring community
perceptions and assessing organisational practices. The study employs advanced waste
management strategies and surveys community and organisational practices. It covers
disposal methods, health concerns, regulatory effectiveness and organisational approaches
to inventory management, procurement cycles, storage conditions and biomedical waste
practices. Survey outcomes highlight diverse community perceptions with 35 respondents
favouring returning pharmaceuticals to healthcare facilities.
Health concerns include contamination of drinking water (11 respondents), increased
antibiotic resistance (22 respondents) and exposure to hazardous chemicals (27 respondents).
38 respondents think that regulatory effectiveness is good and 25 think that local
communities are actively involved. Organisational practices show 35 respondents
rating pharmaceutical inventory management as very effective. In conclusion, the
study advocates for responsible disposal practices, increased awareness and location-specific
solutions for pharmaceutical waste. Findings emphasize the importance of tailored
communication, education and continuous training to ensure consistent adherence
to safety protocols, recognizing the interconnection of environmental and health
outcomes in pharmaceutical waste management.
