Online Desk: Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) and icddr,b have joined forces in a pioneering initiative to advance healthcare waste management through sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices.

The partnership was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at EBL’s head office in Dhaka on Wednesday.

The new partnership with Eastern Bank PLC will enable icddr,b to establish a state-of-the-art solid biohazardous waste treatment facility.

This facility will be equipped with advanced waste sterilizers and shredders, allowing for the complete decontamination and destruction of biohazardous polymer products, said a press release.

This initiative paves the way for recycling polymer materials, thereby converting waste into an asset and significantly reducing environmental impact of waste management.

Dr Shams El Arifeen, Acting Executive Director and Senior Director, Maternal & Child Health Division at icddr,b, said, “This collaboration with Eastern Bank PLC is a testament to the importance of corporate responsibility in fostering sustainable healthcare practices. It marks a crucial step towards an eco-friendlier approach in healthcare waste management.”

Ali Reza Iftekhar, Managing Director and CEO of EBL said, ‘Solid biohazardous medical waste poses a significant challenge for Bangladesh and the management of medical waste is still in its early stages. We are very happy to partner with icddr,b in this timely initiative. “

The project aims to promote similar initiatives across Bangladesh, with icddr,b hosting workshops and seminars to share its expertise in sustainable waste management with healthcare leaders and government officials.