ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal on Wednesday emphasised that the safe disposal of hospital waste is a crucial and effective step in protecting the public from diseases.

He made these remarks while addressing a ceremony organised by the Indus Hospital and Health Network on the occasion of the provision of yellow vehicles for infectious medical waste disposal.

Speaking at the event, the minister said, “Prevention is better than cure. If we don’t take precautionary measures, diseases will overtake us.”

He highlighted that, with the support of the Global Fund, Indus Hospital has provided specialised medical waste disposal vans in 15 districts across Pakistan, including the federal capital, Islamabad, where one van will be handed over to the district health officer (DHO), Islamabad.

Mustafa Kamal warned that hospital waste is extremely hazardous and, if not properly managed, becomes a source of disease transmission. “Protecting people from disease is our topmost priority,” he stated.

Also addressing the gathering, Dr Abdul Bari Khan, President of Indus Hospital, said that progress in the health sector is not solely dependent on constructing new hospitals or supplying modern equipment.

“These vehicles reflect our commitment to infection control, environmental safety, and sustainable healthcare,” Dr Bari stated. “We are grateful for the support of the federal government and hopeful that this model will be replicated across the country.”

Published in Dawn, July 10th, 2025