OPTIMIZING SANITARY PRACTICES IN THE HANDLING OF HEALTHCARE WASTE IN URBAN UZBEKISTAN: AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO RISK MITIGATION AND SUSTAINABILITY

The transformation and expansion of healthcare services across Uzbekistan—particularly in urban centers such as Tashkent—have led to a marked increase in the production of healthcare-related waste. This growth stems from the widespread adoption of disposable instruments, personal protective equipment, and single-use materials, contributing to both a shift in the morphological composition of healthcare waste and heightened public health risks. The complexity and infectious potential of this waste necessitate a robust, hygienic management system to prevent adverse environmental and epidemiological outcomes.