A health waste disposal facility has been established for the first time in the Maldives, located at the Health Centre in Baarah, Haa Alif Atoll. This facility was funded by the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy has transferred the facility to the Ministry of Health, aiming to implement best practices for health waste disposal at the island level and safeguard the community from environmental impacts.
Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim emphasized the importance of reducing reliance on incineration for health waste disposal, as it releases toxic gases. He advocated for the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies, such as autoclaving, and reaffirmed the government's commitment to public health and environmental protection.
Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two ministries to provide an ICP-MS machine for testing heavy metals, thereby enhancing the capabilities of the National Health Laboratory. The agreement was signed by Minister Thoriq and Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim.
The ICP-MS machine will detect heavy metals in soil, sediments, and blood, facilitating research on the health effects of pollution. The Ministry of Environment will supply the necessary reagents by the end of the year. Furthermore, the Environment Minister noted that interim hazardous chemical waste storage facilities will be established in Addu City and Vandhoo, Raa Atoll.