The Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME), North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, in collaboration with Meghalayan Medical Drugs and Services Limited (MMDSL), Government of Meghalaya, initiated a week-long skill-based Biomedical Waste Management (BWM) course for healthcare workers from government healthcare facilities across Meghalaya at NEHU on Monday.
The BWM certificate course which will be held till Friday is designed to train close to 400 healthcare workers in batches over the next 18 months, stated a release. It aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of healthcare workers regarding the management and handling of hospital waste in ensuring a safe and clean healthcare environment, it stated.
Speaking at the event, Director, Directorate of Health Services (MI), Government of Meghalaya, FV Kharshiing, highlighted the importance of skill-based training programs, emphasizing the urgent need to orient healthcare workers in proper management of hospital waste generated across the state’s health centers, it noted. She also commended the Government of Meghalaya and MMDSL for spearheading such initiatives.
While, Course Coordinator, NEHU Shillong, Dinesh Bhatia, outlined the course’s curriculum, which comprises over 50 per cent practical hands-on sessions and demonstrations, it said. He asserted that such programs are crucial in sensitizing paramedical staff in effectively managing healthcare facilities, it mentioned.
Speaking on the sidelines, Director of IQAC, NEHU, Professor G Bez, said that the initiative will have a far-reaching impact on public health by improving the quality and skill set of healthcare professionals, it stated. He further emphasized the need for such programs to benefit society at large, it added.
It also highlighted the speech by Head of the Biomedical Engineering Department, Professor SS Ray, who underscored the vital role healthcare workers play in curbing the spread of communicable and non-communicable diseases within hospital settings. He noted that effective waste management practices can prevent adverse effects on patients, visitors, and the wider community, it stated.
A comprehensive 200-page manual on Biomedical Waste Management was also released and distributed to the attendees during the event, it mentioned. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Manashjit Gogoi, a faculty member from the BME Department, it added.
