Federal Minister for National Health Services, Syed Mustafa Kamal, has emphasized the urgent need for safe disposal of hospital waste across Pakistan. He said this is one of the most effective ways to protect people from preventable diseases.
The minister shared his views on Wednesday during a ceremony hosted by the Indus Hospital and Health Network in Islamabad. The event marked the official handover of specialized yellow vans for the disposal of infectious medical waste.
Hospital Waste a Major Health Threat
Speaking at the event, the health minister said that improper handling of medical waste poses serious health risks. “If we fail to take precautions now, diseases will spread faster than we can control them,” he warned.
He explained that hospital waste is hazardous. Without proper disposal systems, it can easily become a significant source of infections and environmental contamination.
“Protecting public health is our top priority,” the minister stated. “Prevention is always better than cure. We must take proactive steps to stop disease before it spreads.”
Vehicles for Safe Waste Disposal Introduced
The minister appreciated the efforts of Indus Hospital and the support provided by the Global Fund. He announced that 15 new yellow medical waste disposal vans have been launched in different districts across the country.
These vehicles are designed to transport infectious hospital waste to designated treatment facilities safely and securely. Islamabad is among the cities receiving one of the vans, which will be handed over to the District Health Officer (DHO) to assist with safe waste management.
He said this initiative is a positive step in improving the medical waste system in Pakistan. It will not only support public health but also mitigate environmental risks.
A Model for Other Regions
Dr Abdul Bari Khan, President of Indus Hospital, also spoke at the ceremony. He said the delivery of these vehicles reflects a strong commitment to infection control and environmental protection.
“These vans are more than just transport vehicles,” Dr Bari said. “They represent a complete shift in how we think about healthcare and safety.”
He noted that improving healthcare is not just about building new hospitals or providing modern machines. Managing medical waste properly is equally important to ensure long-term health benefits.
“We are thankful for the federal government’s support,” Dr Bari said. “We hope this project becomes a model for the entire country.”
Government and NGO Collaboration Praised
Both the minister and Dr Bari praised the partnership between the government, Indus Hospital, and the Global Fund. They said it was a strong example of how public and private efforts can come together for national benefit.
The health minister also emphasized that government agencies must take ownership of these vehicles. He urged health departments to ensure they are used effectively and regularly maintained.
Public Awareness and Ongoing Responsibility
The event also highlighted the need for public awareness about hospital waste. The minister stated that health workers and the public must be educated about the risks associated with careless waste disposal.
He stressed that safe disposal is not just the responsibility of hospitals. It also requires support from local administrations, the health department, and community members.
The health ministry plans to conduct awareness campaigns and offer training to healthcare staff in managing waste safely. The goal is to create a cleaner and safer healthcare system.
Islamabad Takes the Lead
With the launch of the new van in Islamabad, the capital city will serve as a pilot location for this project. The district health officer will be responsible for using the van to collect and dispose of infectious medical waste from hospitals and clinics in the area.
The federal minister expressed hope that this initiative would lead to better waste management practices and help reduce the burden of disease in communities.
