2,236 Tons Of Private Health Sector Waste Were Treated By MoH In 13 Months

In the last 13 months, the Ministry of Health has treated 2,236 tons of medical waste generated in the private health sector. It is a result of the meticulous operation of a medical waste treatment plant started in October 2022, demonstrating the Ministry's commitment to addressing environmental concerns associated with medical waste disposal.

According to Health Minister Ahmed Al-Awadhi, responding to a parliamentary inquiry by MP Majid Al-Mutairi, the Ministry is subject to the Environmental Protection Law 42/2016 and its Executive Regulation 6/2016. The Ministry is responsible for mitigating the adverse effects of medical waste disposal from private therapeutic institutions, acting as the licensing authority that oversees and supervises this process.

Al-Awadhi explained the process that led to this achievement by stating, "An auction was conducted among specialized companies, resulting in the selection of a winning bidder.". Construction, supply, and installation of the medical waste treatment plant were the responsibility of this chosen entity. Additionally, they are tasked with operating, maintaining, and managing the facility for a period of 10 years. Post-contract, ownership of all facilities is transferred to the Ministry of Health in good condition, with compensation facilitated through monthly subscriptions paid by participating institutions for the treatment of their generated medical waste.”

According to Dr. Al-Awadhi, companies contribute a fixed monthly subscription fee of 25 dinars, closely monitored by the Ministry. The approved monthly limit of 300 kilograms may only be exceeded if the quantity of expired consumables and medicines exceeds this amount. Accounting is done at the rate of 100 fils per kilogram exceeding the maximum."

In response to inquiries about annual fees for companies without medical waste, the Minister explained: "Contracts are only concluded with companies registered with the Medical Licensing Department and the Drug Control Department." Health-related materials, consumables, or medicines are supplied and stored by these companies as part of their specialized activities. After their designated use has expired or been completed, these items cannot be disposed of as municipal waste."

In addition, the Ministry presented the following statistics regarding private health sector waste treatment fees:

There is a monthly fee of 600 dinars for private hospitals, with a maximum waste allowance of 7.5 tons per month.

A maximum waste limit of 3.75 tons applies to dispensaries and medical centers. Fees range from 100 to 300 dinars per month.

Individual clinics are subject to a monthly charge of 50 dinars, with a maximum allowable waste of 750 kilograms.

Laboratories pay a monthly fee of 60 dinars, with a maximum waste limit of 750 kilograms.

There is a monthly fee of 25 dinars for pharmacies and companies, with a maximum waste limit of 300 kilograms.

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