UNDP, Japan support waste treatment facility in CHT
A groundbreaking infectious healthcare waste treatment facility, launched on 27 April, now operates at Rangamati District Hospital to boost hospital safety, environmental protection, and public health in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The initiative, a partnership between the Government of Japan and UNDP, aims to create a robust healthcare waste management system in one of Bangladesh's most geographically challenging regions.
The inauguration ceremony brought together senior officials and development partners, underscoring a collective commitment to improved waste management and enhanced safety for healthcare workers, patients, and communities.
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Speaking at the event, Minister for Chittagong Dipen Dewan emphasised the project's people-centred approach.
"This initiative places people at its core—strengthening safety, improving public health, and building the capacity of frontline staff, nurses, and technicians," he said.
Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, noted that healthcare waste management is not solely a technical issue.
"It is a public health, environmental, and systems issue," he said.
He also highlighted the importance of investing in resilient systems and human resources, particularly in remote areas such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
"Safe healthcare waste management in remote and challenging areas like the Chittagong Hill Tracts is vital to protect patients, workers, handlers, nearby communities, and the environment," he added.
Naoki Takahashi, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, remarked that the safe management of infectious healthcare waste became an urgent challenge in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Through this initiative, essential equipment, training, and guidelines have been provided to hospitals in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to strengthen effective waste management systems," he said.
The Rangamati facility is one of 17 public hospitals in the Chittagong Hill Tracts included in this project, which collectively generate over 3,120 kg of healthcare waste daily. The project scope covers all these hospitals and their healthcare waste management needs.
The project introduced autoclaves and microwaves, and enhanced segregation, storage, and transportation systems.
Beyond infrastructure, the initiative has prioritised capacity development and behavioural change among healthcare workers and local authorities.
Hundreds of healthcare workers, waste handlers, and local authorities have received hands-on training in safe waste management practices, supporting a sustainable and system-wide approach.
Ajit Singh, High Commissioner of Canada, and Hoe Yun Jeong, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank, attended the inauguration alongside other dignitaries.
