Edokpayi, J. N.Masindi, V.Malema, Mpho Bridget2025-01-142025-01-142024-09-06Malema, M. B. (2024) Assessment of pharmaceutical waste management in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Thohoyandou, South Africa,<https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/handle/11602/2787>.https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/handle/11602/2787MENVSCAdministering of pharmaceutical products is recognized as a crucial component of healthcare services, since these are used to treat, prevent, and cure diseases, however, rapid population growth has significantly increased the demand for pharmaceutical products, leading to a noticeable surge in their waste generation. This poses serious ecological and health risks if not properly managed, as pharmaceutical waste includes hazardous by-products that can contaminate various environmental spheres. Traces of pharmaceuticals have been detected in wastewater treatment plants, which often lack the necessary infrastructure to remove these compounds effectively. Consequently, the management of pharmaceutical waste is a critical concern for regional, national, and international communities, necessitating a thorough understanding of their management and potential eco-toxicological impacts to devise effective handling and containment strategies. This study was designed to appraise the holistic management of pharmaceutical waste in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. To fulfil this objective, various data collection methods were employed, including questionnaires, on-site observations, and interviews with medical practitioners and waste management personnel. A checklist was used to evaluate compliance with regulatory frameworks, focusing on healthcare facilities and pharmaceutical outlets. Data from observations were analysed descriptively, supported by visual aids like photographs; the interviews were categorized, coded, and abbreviated for easier analysis, while the questionnaire data were processed using SPSS and other statistical tools to generate meaningful outputs. The study's findings reveal significant deficiencies in pharmaceutical waste management within the Vhembe District. Inadequate waste management practices were observed, marked by the absence of source segregation and the use of suboptimal temporary storage containers chosen for convenience rather than efficacy. The infrastructure for waste storage within some of these facilities proved substandard, thereby, failing to meet regulatory requirements. Most facilities rely on municipal waste collection services and the sewer drainage systems, raising environmental and health concerns. The study also identified a significant gap in education and training regarding pharmaceutical waste management with healthcare professionals, who often perceive their responsibility as ending after writing a prescription. This lack of knowledge and preparedness to manage pharmaceutical waste, in line with legal requirements, is a major concern. Additionally, the study revealed participants’ challenges related to understanding waste categories and regulations, hence, emphasizing the need to sensitize healthcare professionals about these regulations. The results showed that 71% of consumers were aware of pharmaceutical waste, but only 20.1% understood its associated environmental and health risks. Alarmingly, 71.8% consumers lacked essential information about the consequences of pharmaceutical waste, and 80% frequently had surplus medications due to practitioners’ over-prescribing or discontinuation of treatment, contributing to waste accumulation. Furthermore, 86% of participants did not segregate pharmaceutical waste from general household waste. A significant 58.3% disposed of pharmaceutical waste in standard trash bins, leading to landfills and potential soil and water contamination through leaching and migration. The study also highlighted the absence of dedicated regulatory measures addressing pharmaceutical waste; they are often categorised under the broader healthcare waste management framework. The existing framework suffers from a disconnect in policy development, implementation and enforcement, with regulations frequently formulated by different stakeholders who do not effectively collaborate. This lack of clarity makes it challenging for stakeholders to understand their separate roles and responsibilities, necessitating improved stakeholder engagement, education, and clear regulatory measures. Future efforts should focus on holistic approaches, proper stakeholder engagement, and stringent regulatory compliance to enhance proper pharmaceutical waste management and conserve the environment for future generations.1 online resource (xxi, 145 leaves): color illustrations, color mapenWaste managementUCTDPharmaceutical wasteWaste classificationHealth care facilities strategies363.7280968257Pharmaceutical services -- South Africa -- LimpopoRefuse and refuse disposal -- South Africa -- LimpopoSalvage (Waste, etc.) -- South Africa -- LimpopoAssessment of pharmaceutical waste management in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South AfricaDissertationMalema MB. Assessment of pharmaceutical waste management in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. []. , 2024 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from:Malema, M. B. (2024). <i>Assessment of pharmaceutical waste management in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa</i>. (). . Retrieved fromMalema, Mpho Bridget. <i>"Assessment of pharmaceutical waste management in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa."</i> ., , 2024.TY - Dissertation AU - Malema, Mpho Bridget AB - Administering of pharmaceutical products is recognized as a crucial component of healthcare services, since these are used to treat, prevent, and cure diseases, however, rapid population growth has significantly increased the demand for pharmaceutical products, leading to a noticeable surge in their waste generation. This poses serious ecological and health risks if not properly managed, as pharmaceutical waste includes hazardous by-products that can contaminate various environmental spheres. Traces of pharmaceuticals have been detected in wastewater treatment plants, which often lack the necessary infrastructure to remove these compounds effectively. Consequently, the management of pharmaceutical waste is a critical concern for regional, national, and international communities, necessitating a thorough understanding of their management and potential eco-toxicological impacts to devise effective handling and containment strategies. This study was designed to appraise the holistic management of pharmaceutical waste in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. To fulfil this objective, various data collection methods were employed, including questionnaires, on-site observations, and interviews with medical practitioners and waste management personnel. A checklist was used to evaluate compliance with regulatory frameworks, focusing on healthcare facilities and pharmaceutical outlets. Data from observations were analysed descriptively, supported by visual aids like photographs; the interviews were categorized, coded, and abbreviated for easier analysis, while the questionnaire data were processed using SPSS and other statistical tools to generate meaningful outputs. The study's findings reveal significant deficiencies in pharmaceutical waste management within the Vhembe District. Inadequate waste management practices were observed, marked by the absence of source segregation and the use of suboptimal temporary storage containers chosen for convenience rather than efficacy. The infrastructure for waste storage within some of these facilities proved substandard, thereby, failing to meet regulatory requirements. Most facilities rely on municipal waste collection services and the sewer drainage systems, raising environmental and health concerns. The study also identified a significant gap in education and training regarding pharmaceutical waste management with healthcare professionals, who often perceive their responsibility as ending after writing a prescription. This lack of knowledge and preparedness to manage pharmaceutical waste, in line with legal requirements, is a major concern. Additionally, the study revealed participants’ challenges related to understanding waste categories and regulations, hence, emphasizing the need to sensitize healthcare professionals about these regulations. The results showed that 71% of consumers were aware of pharmaceutical waste, but only 20.1% understood its associated environmental and health risks. Alarmingly, 71.8% consumers lacked essential information about the consequences of pharmaceutical waste, and 80% frequently had surplus medications due to practitioners’ over-prescribing or discontinuation of treatment, contributing to waste accumulation. Furthermore, 86% of participants did not segregate pharmaceutical waste from general household waste. A significant 58.3% disposed of pharmaceutical waste in standard trash bins, leading to landfills and potential soil and water contamination through leaching and migration. The study also highlighted the absence of dedicated regulatory measures addressing pharmaceutical waste; they are often categorised under the broader healthcare waste management framework. The existing framework suffers from a disconnect in policy development, implementation and enforcement, with regulations frequently formulated by different stakeholders who do not effectively collaborate. This lack of clarity makes it challenging for stakeholders to understand their separate roles and responsibilities, necessitating improved stakeholder engagement, education, and clear regulatory measures. Future efforts should focus on holistic approaches, proper stakeholder engagement, and stringent regulatory compliance to enhance proper pharmaceutical waste management and conserve the environment for future generations. DA - 2024-09-06 DB - ResearchSpace DP - Univen KW - Waste management KW - Pharmaceutical waste KW - Waste classification KW - Health care facilities strategies LK - https://univendspace.univen.ac.za PY - 2024 T1 - Assessment of pharmaceutical waste management in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa TI - Assessment of pharmaceutical waste management in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa UR - ER -