Waste is generated by any medical treatment activity. The type, quantum and process of waste generation and its disposal may be different because of various procedures undertaken in different departments of hospitals, clinics and medical laboratory. The present study is a comparative case study to investigate the impact of hazardous medical waste on the acute health symptoms of medical waste collectors in two major hospitals as representative of public sector and the private sector in Islamabad. The study was undertaken by physical visits, observations, interviews with hospital waste management team and information gathering from the waste collectors through structured questionnaire (sample survey). The results show that the probability and frequency of illness of various diseases is significantly higher in waste collectors in PIMS hospital compared to those in SHIFA hospital. Moreover, the probability of sharp injuries is also higher in PIMS. The study attributes these injuries to the lack of training as well as the unavailability and bad quality of protective equipment in PIMS. In addition, the study finds considerable variation in the methods, processes, cost and technology used in the waste collection and disposal system in both the hospitals. The hospital waste disposal, particularly the hazardous one, can be properly managed to minimize damage and ensure safety of all those exposed to such waste, especially the workers involve in its collection and disposal process. Supervisor:- Dr. Muhammad Nasir