Pharmacy Department - Medical Waste Management in Oman

In an informative workshop titled "Medical Waste Management in Oman," held on Thursday, December 21, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Mr. Faisal Hamed AL Ghammari and Mr. Tariq Talib AL Khanbashi took the lead as facilitators. Both individuals hold key positions as Sr. Specialist Health Care Waste Commercialization and Operation Engineer Health Care Waste Management, respectively, at the be’ah company. The session was designed to provide valuable insights into the comprehensive field of medical waste management. The workshop covered significant aspects, commencing with a comprehensive overview of be'ah's core business, including hazardous and industrial waste, healthcare waste, and various other waste streams. The historical context of the healthcare waste sector takeover and the subsequent expansions were highlighted, showcasing the dedication of be’ah in effectively managing healthcare waste.

Participants gained insight into the healthcare waste infrastructure of be'ah, which includes three treatment facilities and involves collaboration with two service providers. Discussion included the utilization of treatment technologies like sterilization (autoclaving) and thermal treatment (incineration), complemented by a visual representation of the total treated quantity from 2012 to 2022. Emphasis was placed on notable achievements, such as the sustainability of healthcare waste services, compliance with EA standards, and the implementation of an Integrated Management System (IMS) featuring an automatic bin washing machine. The workshop delved into the crucial aspect of pharmaceuticals destruction, elucidating on the proper disposal of expired, unused, damaged, or no longer required medications. Active involvement in this initiative was demonstrated by over 60 pharmacies, employing special procedures and contributing to the destruction of over 80 tons per year.

The event witnessed the presence of Dr. Khalid AL Abri, Deputy of the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, along with faculty and students of the Pharmacy Department and other attendees. The Pharmacy Department expressed sincere gratitude to Mr. Faisal and Mr. Tariq for generously sharing their expertise, fostering a spirit of collaboration, and anticipating future engagements. The comprehensive workshop contributed to enhancing awareness and knowledge in the crucial field of medical waste management.