The Honourable Chair of the National Environment Commission graciously inaugurated the 300 kg/cycle incinerator.

The Honourable Chair of the National Environment Commission graciously inaugurated the 300 kg/cycle incinerator on 30th April, 2021 at Memelakha, Thimphu to manage biomedical and hazardous waste including covid-19 waste. The Hon’ble Chair underscored the significance of “my waste, my responsibility” with an insightful statement; “It is not one agency's responsibility but each and everyone of us - we must go back to reducing waste as much as possible”. Thus far, biomedical wastes from the healthcare facilities are either autoclaved, buried in deep pits or dumped along with municipal wastes without pre-treatment which poses significant harms to human health and the environment. To ensure proper handling, storage, treatment, and disposal of biomedical and hazardous wastes, the Waste Management Flagship Program under the support of the Royal Government of Bhutan and Government of Japan through UNDP launched 300 kg/cycle incinerator at Memelakha, Thimphu as an immediate response. During the unprecedented covid-19 pandemic, currently there are 54 flu clinics and 302 quarantine facilities in the country. On an average, the flu clinics and quarantine facilities in Thimphu alone generate 350 kgs of waste everyday from 57 quarantine facilities. Other distinguished officials including the Hon’ble Secretary of Ministry of Health, Resident Representative of UNDP, GNHCS and Thimphu Thromde also attended the inauguration day.