Role of Pharmaceutical Waste Management in Reducing Environmental Pollution in Sheberghan
Key words: Environmental pollution, healthcare waste management, Improper incineration, Pharmaceutical waste, Safe disposalv
Shamsul Haq Sherzad
Abstract
This study examines the management of pharmaceutical waste and its impact on reducing environmental pollution in Sheberghan city. The main research question was whether systematic and scientific management of pharmaceutical waste can reduce environmental pollution, and the hypothesis posits that implementing scientific methods for the collection, segregation, and disposal of pharmaceutical waste reduces negative environmental impacts. The research employed a descriptive–analytical and applied approach, with data collected through field observations, interviews with health center and pharmacy officials, and analysis of existing documents and resources. Findings indicate that a significant amount of pharmaceutical waste is generated daily in Sheberghan, and a large portion is disposed of without segregation or adherence to environmental standards. This practice leads to the contamination of water, soil, and air, threatens human health and wildlife, and increases microbial resistance. Weak supervision, limited use of disposal equipment, and insufficient staff training are key challenges in pharmaceutical waste management in the city. The study demonstrates that establishing an integrated management system, training personnel, segregating waste at the source, and utilizing modern disposal technologies can effectively mitigate negative environmental effects and improve public health and environmental quality.
