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

Special How Ƶ’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)
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Updated 07 September 2024

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

How Ƶ’s healthcare sector is tackling medical waste to align with the Kingdom’s green vision
  • Private medical facilities in Ƶ 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 Ƶ 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.

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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 Ƶ’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.




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“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 leadership offers condolences after death of Sheikh Abdullah Rakan Naif Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah

Saudi leadership offers condolences after death of Sheikh Abdullah Rakan Naif Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah
Updated 19 January 2025

Saudi leadership offers condolences after death of Sheikh Abdullah Rakan Naif Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah

Saudi leadership offers condolences after death of Sheikh Abdullah Rakan Naif Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah

RIYADH: King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman each sent a cable of condolences to the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on the death of Sheikh Abdullah Rakan Naif Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

The King and the crown prince expressed their deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the Kuwaiti leadership and the family of the deceased.

The crown prince sent a cable of condolences to the Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.

Sheikh Abdullah Rakan Naif Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah died at the age of 14 years old.


Saudi deputy minister receives ambassador of Djibouti

Saudi deputy minister receives ambassador of Djibouti
Updated 19 January 2025

Saudi deputy minister receives ambassador of Djibouti

Saudi deputy minister receives ambassador of Djibouti
  • They discussed bilateral relations and various topics of common interest

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, the dean of the diplomatic corps and ambassador of Djibouti to Ƶ, at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and various topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Oman’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al-Said in Riyadh on Sunday.

The meeting was held to mark the conclusion of Al-Said’s tenure as ambassador to Ƶ.

 


Palestinian president honors Saudi ambassador with Star of Al-Quds medal in Ramallah

Palestinian president honors Saudi ambassador with Star of Al-Quds medal in Ramallah
Updated 19 January 2025

Palestinian president honors Saudi ambassador with Star of Al-Quds medal in Ramallah

Palestinian president honors Saudi ambassador with Star of Al-Quds medal in Ramallah
  • Mahmoud Abbas praises Nayef bin Bandar Al-Sudairi’s efforts to strengthen relations between Palestine and Ƶ

LONDON: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Nayef bin Bandar Al-Sudairi, the Saudi ambassador to Palestine, in Ramallah on Sunday.

Abbas honored Al-Sudairi with the Star of Al-Quds medal during his visit to the headquarters of the Palestinian Authority.

 Al-Sudairi became the first non-resident Saudi ambassador to Palestine and consul-general of Jerusalem since 1948 when he was appointed in August 2023.

Last September, he visited Ramallah for the first time to present his credentials to the Palestinian president.

Abbas extended his greetings to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizing the Kingdom’s support for the Palestinian people and their cause, the Palestine News and Information Agency reported.

He also praised Al-Sudairi’s efforts to strengthen the friendly relations between Palestine and Ƶ, the agency reported.


More than 84,000 visitors attend Hira Winter events in Makkah

More than 84,000 visitors attend Hira Winter events in Makkah
Updated 19 January 2025

More than 84,000 visitors attend Hira Winter events in Makkah

More than 84,000 visitors attend Hira Winter events in Makkah

RIYADH: The Hira Winter events, organized by the Hira Cultural District and which recently concluded in Makkah, attracted more than 84,000 visitors.

Highlights included the Revelation Exhibition, which used cutting-edge technology to simulate the story of Prophet Muhammad’s revelation, blending tradition and innovation.

The exhibition featured a pavilion detailing the Cave of Hira and Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the Mother of Believers, along with a depiction of the first revelation.

Rare historical artifacts, such as a photographed copy of the Qur’an manuscript of Uthman bin Affan and ancient stone inscriptions of Qur’anic verses, gave visitors a unique experience that combined the past and present.

Poetic performances inspired by Arab heritage underscored poetry’s role as the Arabs' diwan (repository of culture) and a tool for documenting events and emotions.

Poetic jousts highlighted live interaction and pride in the Arabic language and literature, enriching the cultural experience.

The Caravan Experience revived the cultural heritage of camel caravans, underlining their role in ancient Arab trade and society.

Visitors were taken back to ancient trade routes where camels played a key role in transporting goods and facilitating travel.

The Challenge Zone attracted adventure enthusiasts with various games blending entertainment and competition.

The Winter Theater delighted visitors with interactive performances, including contests and games inspired by winter traditions.

The district also featured a Crafts and Heritage Industries Market, where visitors explored local products, bought souvenirs, and enjoyed traditional and contemporary food and beverages, creating a holistic experience of entertainment, culture and shopping.

The Hira Cultural District is an area of approximately 67,000 sq. meters near Jabal Hira, one of Makkah’s most famous landmarks. It is a tourist and educational destination, bridging the past and present, and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance quality of life and visitor experiences.


Saudi ambassador to Japan expresses high hopes about Expo 2025 Osaka

Saudi ambassador to Japan expresses high hopes about Expo 2025 Osaka
Updated 19 January 2025

Saudi ambassador to Japan expresses high hopes about Expo 2025 Osaka

Saudi ambassador to Japan expresses high hopes about Expo 2025 Osaka

TOKYO: Saudi Ambassador to Japan Ghazi Bin Faisal Binzagr told Arab News Japan that he has high hopes of achieving the goals for which he was appointed general commissioner of the Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.

“We are striving to create an amazing experience for our visitors,” he said. “We are capturing the essence of our Ƶ Vision 2030 and bringing it live to Japan.”

Binzagr shared that the construction work on the Kingdom’s pavilion is progressing rapidly, with around 85 percent already complete. This progress is a testament to the Kingdom's commitment to the Expo, and we can all look forward to the grand opening in April.

Binzagr extended a warm invitation to visitors to “come and immerse themselves in our past, our present, and our future. Experience our rich heritage, our diverse food, our vibrant music, our colorful culture, and our ambitious future aspirations.”

This invitation is an opportunity to discover the beauty and potential of Ƶ.

The Saudi ambassador expressed his sincere hope that visitors would be inspired to visit the Kingdom. This desire reflects the warm welcome and value the Kingdom places on its visitors.

“We want you to experience our pavilion,” he said. “We are confident that when you do, you will want to visit Saudi, perhaps even do business, partner with us, dream with us, or work with us to make a wonderful world.”

The Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka aims to highlight Ƶ’s culture, traditions and transformation and look towards a sustainable form of human development.

Binzagr’s responsibilities as the general commissioner of the Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka include supervising efforts and initiatives to strengthen relations between the Kingdom and Japan and ensuring the successful representation of Ƶ at the Expo.