Experts for advancing medical waste management policy

Experts and policymakers at a workshop on Saturday emphasised the need for sustained collaboration, capacity strengthening, and alignment of investments to ensure the long-term sustainability of medical waste management systems in Bangladesh’s healthcare facilities.
Effective medical waste management is fundamental to patient safety and environmental protection and requires coordinated action across ministries, health institutions, and development partners, the speakers added at the workshop titled “Comprehensive Medical Waste Management Policy Framework.”
To support the effective implementation of medical waste management guidelines and regulations across hospital settings across Bangladesh, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) arranged the national-level workshop at the Renaissance Dhaka Gulshan Hotel.
The workshop brought together senior government officials, development partners, and technical experts to review key policy findings and identify a strategic way forward for strengthening medical waste management practices nationwide.
Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare ATM Saiful Islam attended the event as the chief guest, and Additional Secretary Sheikh Momena Moni as the special guest, while Prof Sheikh Sayidul Haque, additional director general of Health Services, presided over the event.
Speaking at the event, ATM Saiful Islam reiterated the need for collective responsibility. “Strengthening implementation of existing rules will be critical to safeguarding communities and healthcare workers alike.”
UNOPS Bangladesh and Bhutan Country Manager Sudhir Muralidharan opened the workshop emphasising the urgency of implementing policy. “Through this workshop, UNOPS is supporting the Government of Bangladesh to move from policy frameworks to practical, implementable solutions that work at the facility level.”
In his keynote presentation, Technical Advisor of Medical Waste Management, UNOPS Dr Maysson Sallam highlighted international best practices and implementation approaches.
Following an interactive session, the workshop concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to continue working together to advance environmentally responsible medical waste management practices across the country.