The Role of Infection Control Systems in Managing and Controlling Medical Waste in Healthcare Facilities

Abstract

Introduction: Vision 2030 has seen the fast growth of the healthcare industry in Saudi Arabia, which in its turn has resulted in the dramatic increase in the quantities of hazardous medical waste. Proper management of this waste is an essential part of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), because improper management may lead to serious risks of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), environmental pollution and occupational risks such as needle-stick injuries. Although the national regulations are rather strong, the application of IPC systems into the everyday work processes of waste management has become a challenge at the different levels of the Saudi health system.

Objective: This systematic review intends to assess the effectiveness and implementation of IPC systems in terms of managing Medical Waste in Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector.

Methods: Systematic review was done based on PRISMA guidelines. The search in electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and the Saudi Digital Library) was conducted to find those published within the period of 2015-2025. The inclusion criteria centered on the empirical research, studies on the characterization of waste, and policy assessment in the Saudi context. The thematic analysis was applied to synthesize data, determine the patterns of waste production, employee adherence, and training intervention effectiveness led by IPC.

Conclusion: The review concludes that in spite of the excellent regulatory frameworks that have been in place in Saudi Arabia, their actual implementation in the bedside is inconsistent, particularly in inadequate workloads and decentralized treatment infrastructure in rural provinces. IPC protocols should be restructured to incorporate the concept of Green waste management to achieve the sustainability objectives set by the Kingdom and to minimize the effect of patients on the environment without compromising on patient safety.