Inadequate sanitation in healthcare facilities:A comprehensive evaluation of toilets inmajor hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh

A recent study by icddr,b and University of Technology Sydney, published in PLOS ONE, reveals significant health risks due to inadequate toilet access and poor hygiene in Dhaka hospitals. The study, conducted in collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney and the Directorate General of Health Services, evaluated 2,459 toilets in government and private hospitals.

Findings show only 68% of government hospital toilets are functional, with just 33% being clean. Private hospitals fared slightly better, with 92% functional and 56% clean. High user-to-toilet ratios were noted, far below recommended standards, and less than 1% of toilets had facilities for disabled people, while only 3% had trash bins for menstrual pads.

Dr. Md. Nuhu Amin, the principal investigator, emphasized the need for increased resources to improve sanitation facilities, particularly for women and disabled individuals.

For more details, visit the [PLOS ONE article](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0295879).

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