How Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector is tackling medical waste to align with the Kingdom’s green vision

Medical facilities generate large amounts of non-biodegradable and hazardous waste, which are harmful to the environment. (Shutterstock photo)
Short Url
Updated 07 September 2024
Follow

How Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector is tackling medical waste to align with the Kingdom’s green vision

  • Private medical facilities in Saudi Arabia are adopting sustainable waste management practices to minimize their environmental impact
  • Efforts to reduce, reuse, and responsibly dispose of medical waste are essential for achieving the Kingdom’s sustainability goals

RIYADH: When one imagines the worst culprits for commercial waste, many would rightly think of fast fashion, obsolete technology, and food retail. However, one surprisingly prolific offender is the medical community — responsible for vast amounts of non-biodegradable and often hazardous waste.

Mindful of their environmental footprint, private medical facilities in Saudi Arabia are doing their bit to help cut waste by encouraging the reduction, reuse, and recycling of packaging, using materials that are biodegradable, and responsibly disposing of dangerous substances.

Furthermore, many medical facilities are adopting technologies to improve energy efficiency and conserve water in line with the Kingdom’s promotion of corporate social responsibility and its commitment to sustainable development.




Dr. Rosanna Cavalletto. (Supplied)

Dr. Rosanna Cavalletto, who heads the Strategic Development Department at the Sijam Dental Clinic in Riyadh, became aware of the issue when she noticed the huge amount of waste produced by her profession.

“General waste dumpsters were filled with various types of possible recycling materials, such as plastic bottles, coffee cups, and disposable items used in our everyday practice,” Cavalletto told Arab News.

However, she was also aware that medical waste was not always being disposed of properly, including “specific types of hazardous wastes, such as dental amalgam,” she said.

Indeed, dental amalgam — a material used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay — consists of a powdered alloy made up of silver, tin, and copper, combined with liquid mercury.

“We cannot forget that mercury is one of the most toxic global non-radioactive pollutants worldwide,” said Cavalletto. “All amalgam waste must be properly disposed of to avoid air, water and soil pollution thereafter.

“Dental practices generate large quantities of waste, including household (non-food) waste, improper hygiene, clinical, hazardous, and food waste, which should be managed appropriately.”

Cavalletto, who authored the book “Save Your Health, Save the Planet: Dentistry for a Bright, Green Future,” launched the “non-medical waste separation” initiative in 2022 to encourage environmental responsibility among medical and cosmetic practitioners.

By mid-2023, the initiative had succeeded in getting new bins installed at Cavalletto’s dental practice, providing different compartments to separate different kinds of waste. But the waste management firm that collected them had another trick up its sleeve.

“The contractor for Sijam Clinics collects our waste full of recyclables weekly and provides us with data to measure the quality of our initiative, which drives us towards reducing environmental pollution,” said Cavalletto.

DID YOUKNOW?

• Medical facilities generate large amounts of non-biodegradable and hazardous waste, which are harmful to the environment.

• The Kingdom’s clinics are embracing waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, aligning with the Saudi Green Initiative.

• Innovative waste management initiatives encourage environmental responsibility and pollution reduction.

• Financial incentives and awareness campaigns are crucial for improving waste management in the medical sector.

The transition to better waste management among clinics has not been easy, however. “It was a difficult process with slow steps,” said Cavalletto.

“The truth is there is not enough knowledge about waste separation in dentistry. Making waste separation more convenient and accessible at clinics can encourage proper disposal habits and create a culture of environmental awareness.”

The picture is similar elsewhere in the Saudi medical sector. Abdulrahman Al-Rifai, an environmental engineer at the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority, said clinics are gradually improving their sustainability practices.




Abdulrahman Al-Rifai. (Supplied)

“In line with the Saudi Green Initiative, which focuses on reducing emissions, the sector can contribute significantly by adopting environmentally friendly technologies and waste management strategies,” Al-Rifai told Arab News.

“In recent times, companies have increasingly cooperated in the recycling process within the Kingdom to promote efficiency and resource recovery. However, coordination and infrastructure development remain critical for optimal performance.”

The Saudi Green Initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2021, pays close attention to circular economy principles, promoting partnerships and innovation in the recycling industry.




Integrating recycling into waste management systems, boosting research and development, and encouraging public participation are essential steps to achieving the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, says Abdulrahman Al-Rifai, an environmental engineer. (Shutterstock) 

Al-Rifai, who worked in environmental engineering at Panasonic for four years, believes the medical sector requires strong government support, including financial incentives and awareness campaigns, if it is to improve its waste management.

He believes integrating recycling into waste management systems, boosting research and development, and encouraging public participation are essential steps. The Saudi Green Initiative provides a clear road map for achieving a more sustainable economy, he added.

Abdullah Aljumah, general manager at the Riyadh-based First Saudi Contracting Co., says environmental initiatives in the medical sector are integral to sustainable development and social responsibility.

The use of environmentally friendly materials, especially those that are biodegradable and low-toxic, also contributes to reducing negative environmental impacts, he told Arab News.

Opinion

This section contains relevant reference points, placed in (Opinion field)

Aljumah wants to see more support for research aimed at improving medical technologies and reducing their environmental impacts. Such initiatives, he says, are critical to balancing effective healthcare and environmental conservation.

To make these ambitions a reality, however, waste management firms will require sufficient investment and proper regulation.

Sultan Al-Harthi, executive director of corporate communications at Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Waste Management, known as MWAN, said that the center is promoting investment opportunities in the waste management sector.




Sultan Al-Harthi. (Supplied)

“MWAN aims to enable investors to access hundreds of lucrative investment opportunities in the waste management sector and to familiarize them with the regulatory and economic enablers provided by MWAN and other stakeholders to support the feasibility and success of these projects,” Al-Harthi told Arab News.

Over the past three years, MWAN has developed a comprehensive strategic master plan for the waste sector to build the required infrastructure based on fundamental circular economy principles.

“We’re encouraging innovative initiatives and building the necessary capacities to achieve the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives,” said Al-Harthi.




Caption

“This is accomplished through extensive training programs, awareness campaigns, and initiatives promoting sustainable and circular waste management practices.”

He added: “We’ve focused on capacity building for workers across the waste management system in all sectors — government, private, and non-profit. Simultaneously, we’re increasing public awareness to achieve the sector’s objectives.

“We’re working side by side with our partners to offer integrated waste management solutions. Our goal is to enhance the capacity of private sector companies to channel investments towards environmental, economic, and social sustainability.”
 

 


Saudi Arabia, Egypt urge immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza amid Israeli escalation

Updated 9 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia, Egypt urge immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza amid Israeli escalation

  • During the call, both ministers expressed deep concern over the Israeli escalation in Lebanon

RIYADH: The Saudi foreign minister and his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty held a phone conversation on Friday to discuss the deteriorating situation in Lebanon and the escalating Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call, both ministers expressed deep concern over the Israeli escalation in Lebanon, emphasizing their countries' solidarity with the Lebanese people amidst the ongoing crisis, SPA added.

They stressed the need for the Lebanese state to fully exercise its authority and sovereignty over all its territories, with international support enabling it to manage the crisis effectively.

The ministers called upon the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to take urgent action to facilitate an immediate and permanent ceasefire in both Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

Highlighting the importance of regional stability, they reaffirmed the Kingdom and Egypt's commitment to continue coordinating efforts to address the challenges posed by the escalating violence in the Arab region.

The joint appeal for international intervention comes as tensions in Lebanon and Gaza reach new heights, with concerns growing over the humanitarian and security repercussions for the broader Middle East.


More German pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia, ambassador says

Updated 19 min 36 sec ago
Follow

More German pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia, ambassador says

  • Envoy spoke at event to mark Unity Day, which celebrates reunification of East and West Germany on Oct. 3, 1990

RIYADH: A growing number of German Muslims are undertaking pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia, Germany’s ambassador to the Kingdom said.

Speaking at an event to mark Unity Day, which celebrates the reunification of East and West Germany on Oct. 3, 1990, envoy Michael Kindsgrab told Arab News that Hajj and Umrah were two of the many areas in which Germany and Saudi Arabia were cooperating.

“That is just one example of how we can establish more people-to-people contact,” he said.

As well as marking the 34th anniversary of Unity Day, this year is the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Germany.

Speaking about his work and experiences in the Kingdom, Kindsgrab said: “It’s of course a big honor to be working as German ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and Germany as a country is becoming more and more diverse. It is just the right moment to be here to explore new areas of cooperation.

ide the ambassador of Germany to Saudi Arabia Michael Kindsgrab. (AN Photo/Huda BashAttah)

“It has been the most interesting and exciting posting that I have had in my career and I really look forward to the next year. I also have to say I really enjoy life here, people are enormously nice and enormously interesting.”

The event at the German Embassy in Riyadh featured a variety of activities and booths showcasing German businesses in Saudi Arabia, including the Goethe-Institut and the German International School.

A military band provided entertainment with renditions of popular jazz, rock and pop songs.

On the importance of Unity Day, Kindsgrab said: “For me, the significance is that it was embedded in European unity, because together with German unity we achieved European unity which makes Germany a country at the heart of Europe surrounded by friends.”

Undersecretary of Riyadh Region Faisal Al-Sudairi was among the invited officials, diplomats and representatives of German-Saudi businesses at the embassy event.


Royal Saudi Air Force joins Sindh Shield 2024 exercise in Pakistan

Updated 45 min 16 sec ago
Follow

Royal Saudi Air Force joins Sindh Shield 2024 exercise in Pakistan

RIYADH: The Royal Saudi Air Force has deployed to Pakistan for the multinational Shield of Sindh 2024 exercise.

The event, hosted at Mushaf Air Base, brings together air forces from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt and Turkiye in a comprehensive training scenario.

Lt. Gen. Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, commander of the RSAF, saw off the departure of the Saudi contingent from King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Eastern Sector.

Before takeoff, he conducted a thorough inspection of equipment and received detailed briefings on the operational readiness of flight crews, technical teams and support personnel. The Saudi contribution to the exercise is substantial, featuring a squadron of six Tornado aircraft.

Speaking about the exercise, he said: “Our participation in Shield of Sindh 2024 serves multiple objectives. It strengthens our bonds with Pakistan and other participating nations, while also providing a platform to demonstrate the exceptional capabilities and professionalism of the Royal Saudi Air Force, and allowing air and support crews to gain more combat experience in unconventional and electronic warfare environments.”


Falcons exhibition opens its door for visitors at Malham

Updated 54 min 7 sec ago
Follow

Falcons exhibition opens its door for visitors at Malham

RIYADH: The Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2024 opened its door Friday to visitors in Malham, north of Riyadh, showcasing a blend of tradition and modernity.

Running for 10 days under the theme “a world that resembles you,” the mega event has drawn over 400 exhibitors from 45 countries.

Organized by the Saudi Falcons Club, this year’s exhibition marks a significant expansion, occupying 160,000 square meters and featuring a diverse array of attractions. 

In a groundbreaking move, it hosts the Kingdom’s first platform for selling hunting weapons, with Saudi companies representing more than 55 global brands, alongside special and rare editions for hunting enthusiasts. The event also provides real and virtual hunting experiences.

Waleed Al-Taweel, spokesperson of the Saudi Falcons Club, emphasized the exhibition’s role in preserving cultural heritage. 

“We are not just showcasing falconry, we are sustaining a legacy,” he stated, highlighting the falcon’s symbolic importance in Saudi culture as an emblem of courage and pride.

He emphasized that the exhibition highlights falcons, hunting, and related hobbies to revive this ancient Saudi legacy, in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of showcasing and sustaining Saudi heritage and enhancing its role in cultural tourism both domestically and internationally.

Visitors can engage in a wide range of activities, offering hands-on insights into falcon husbandry and training. 

Attendees can explore a vast marketplace where hundreds of vendors display state-of-the-art falconry gear, innovative technologies, and specialized dietary products for these prized birds. 

A notable addition this year is the Future Falconer Program, designed to introduce children to the art of falconry through interactive and educational activities.

The exhibition also includes an outdoor cooking demonstration area, the Shalayel Digital Museum, a photography exhibition, a live fine art gallery, an area for arts, handicrafts, and sculpture, interactive games, and remote-controlled aircraft shows. 

Adventure seekers can enjoy 4x4 vehicle experiences, equestrian shows, and drone demonstrations.

The organizers have made the event accessible to all, with free entry daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.


Pinktober: Saudi Cancer Foundation partners Metro Brazil

Updated 04 October 2024
Follow

Pinktober: Saudi Cancer Foundation partners Metro Brazil

  • Company will donate 5% of sales of post-surgery range to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

RIYADH: The Saudi Cancer Foundation has teamed up with e-commerce platform Metro Brazil to raise funds during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The global health campaign, which is held every October and known as Pinktober, aims to promote screening and prevention of the disease, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide.

Throughout the month, Metro Brazil, which sells luxury Brazilian shapewear, will donate 5 percent of the value of its sales of its post-surgery products to the foundation.

The range, which features 25 items, is designed to empower women who have undergone breast surgery to navigate their recovery.

CEO Alaa Kara Ali said: “Pinktober is a global movement dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the fight against breast cancer. By supporting this cause, Metro Brazil aims to contribute to the well-being of women in the Middle East and beyond.

“Our partnership with the foundation reflects our ongoing dedication to women’s health and well-being. Together, we can make a greater impact in the lives of survivors by providing essential recovery aids and amplifying breast cancer awareness.”

The Saudi Cancer Foundation is committed to helping breast cancer patients through early detection, education and recovery programs.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, although it can also affect men.

Pinktober was launched in 2006 to provide a platform for advocacy organizations, health departments, retailers and community groups to raise awareness of the disease and support those affected by it.