<![CDATA[Medical waste management is an essential component of hospital healthcare services. This study analyzed the implementation of area-based medical waste management in accordance with Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 18 of 2020 at Dr. Komang Makes Indonesian Navy Hospital, Belawan. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation involving eight purposively selected informants comprising key, main, and supporting informants. The management process included waste segregation, transportation, temporary storage, and final treatment in collaboration with third parties. Overall, implementation was consistent with applicable regulations and supported by internal policies, management commitment, infrastructure, budget allocation, and integration with quality improvement, Infection Prevention and Control, and Occupational Health and Safety programs. However, several challenges remained, including inadequate waste containers during periods of high patient volume, limited capacity of the hazardous waste Temporary Storage Facility, and delays in third-party transportation caused by logistical and geographical constraints. The hospital should strengthen source-based segregation, optimize hazardous waste storage capacity, and improve operational supervision, particularly in high-workload units. The study concludes that medical waste management was generally aligned with Regulation of the Minister of Health Number 18 of 2020. Continuous improvement is required to address increasing waste volumes and regional coordination challenges]]>
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