Dr. Muhammad Zaeem Zia, Chief Executive Officer of the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority, met with representatives from the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, the District Health Office and the Federal Directorate of Immunization to resolve shortcomings in healthcare waste management at CHE-KIRPA in Islamabad.
The primary focus of the meeting was the incinerator facility at CHE-KIRPA, and under Dr Zia’s leadership all parties agreed to make the unit fully operational without delay to ensure safe disposal of infectious healthcare waste in the capital.
Dr Zia emphasised proper segregation of waste at the source and strict adherence to the established colour coding system for efficient and safe handling. Specifications for plastic bags used for infectious waste collection were reviewed to ensure they meet standards, are leak-proof and correctly colour coded to prevent contamination during transport and storage.
All relevant stakeholders were instructed to implement corrective measures immediately. The Federal Directorate of Immunization committed to organising training programmes for healthcare staff and waste handlers focused on safe waste handling and infection control to reinforce best practices.
The coordinated action highlights IHRA’s ongoing commitment to public health and environmental safety by strengthening protocols and ensuring compliant healthcare waste management across Islamabad’s health facilities.
