Analytical Approach for Prioritizing Waste Management Practices

Abstract

The socio-environmental hazards of poor waste management practices in health care sector have been explored in the recent years. It has also been observed that through effective waste management practices, health care units(HCU) not only could reduce their contribution to social and ecological hazards but also can save significant amount of money. Hence, a lot of researchers and practitioners are focusing on developing innovative techniques and policies that will help HCUs operate in a socio-environmental responsible manner. In this regard this research has attempted to explore the waste treatment options available in Papua New Guinean health care sector and identify the best alternative for them. This research employed primary data collection through questionnaire survey, secondary data collection through review of published reports and research papers and analysis of the responses of respondents through Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The results revealed that open burning practices of HCWM has been judged as the worst alternative.