Pharmaceutical Waste Management in Pharmaceutical Industries of Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

With the advancement of science and technology, the pharmaceutical industries have flourished drastically in recent years. However, the domain of pharmaceutical waste management is not in check and hence the improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste like dumping, burning, flushing, landfilling has led to harmful impact in the environment like air and water pollution, change in aquatic ecosystem, destruction of flora and fauna, genetic changes, antimicrobial resistance, etc. The objective of this thesis is to assess the current status of pharmaceutical waste management in Kathmandu, Nepal. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using quota sampling. 5 officials working in different pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies were recruited for the study. Structured questionnaire was developed and used. Descriptive statistics was used. The knowledge and practices of pharmaceutical waste management was overall found acceptable. However, the current practice of pharmaceutical waste management should be regulated to minimize the adverse effects in environment.