Management of unused pharmaceuticals waste at governmental hospitals and homes in Gaza, Palestine: empirical insights for further actions

Unused pharmaceuticals management is highly complex for healthcare facilities. This study aimed to assess management practices of unused pharmaceuticals at governmental hospitals and homes in Gaza Strip. The study was conducted at five main hospitals in Gaza and 88 interviewed questionnaires were obtained. A survey was carried out among 371 household participants from the community at city of Gaza. The results revealed inadequate management of unused pharmaceuticals at governmental hospitals. There are limited training programs (9.1%) and absence of practical guidelines. Moreover, there is an inadequate segregation practice (33%). The only method used for treatment of hazardous waste is incinerators. Many types of unused pharmaceuticals are disposed in the landfill without any treatment (64.8%). The results from the household survey showed that more than half of the respondents have unused, leftover or expired medicines. The study highlights the need for appropriate actions and measures for safe disposal of unused pharmaceuticals.

Automated summary

The study revealed inadequate management of unused pharmaceuticals at governmental hospitals, with limited training programs and absence of practical guidelines. In households, there is a significant presence of unused, leftover or expired medicines. Appropriate actions and measures are needed for safe disposal of unused pharmaceuticals.