Shillong, February 25: The Department of Biomedical Engineering at the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, in collaboration with Meghalayan Medical Drugs and Services Limited (MMDSL), Government of Meghalaya, commenced the fifth round of the Certificate Course in Biomedical Waste Management from 24th to 28th February 2025.
This initiative strives to weave expertise with responsibility, blending theory with hands-on mastery. The event witnessed the presence of distinguished speakers from various sectors, including international experts, academia, and industry leaders, with Prof. NirmalenduSaha, Vice Chancellor, NEHU gracing the occasion as Chief Guest.
Throughout the program, expert speakers will channel their insights through dedicated sessions, fortifying the strength of 30 nominated participants by the Govt. of Meghalaya drawn from the diverse tapestry of Meghalaya. The inaugural session was graced by Professor Dinesh Bhatia, the heart and mind behind this initiative.
With a voice brimming with warmth and conviction, he welcomed all, illuminating the importance of segregation and the nuanced art of biomedical waste management.
He urged participants to be more than spectators—to immerse, inquire, and absorb especially during the transformative field visits of the week to premier healthcare institutions in Shillong and industrial ingenuity at M/s Fresh Air Pvt. Ltd. and M/s Environ Pvt. Ltd. in Guwahati.
He apprised the august gathering that close to 150 health worker have been trained since last year and close to 250 still need to be trained in the present year.
Dr. Sudip Paul, Head In-Charge, Biomedical Engineering Department, NEHU delved into the ever-growing urgency of responsible waste management practices in the healthcare sector, setting a resonant and purposeful tone for the days ahead.
An ice-breaking session, orchestrated by Mr. W.R. Kharkrang, Senior Environmental Engineer from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), shattered formal barriers, forging connections and camaraderie among participants.
Mr. John Dickie, an International Environment Specialist, then took the stage, painting a vivid picture of how biomedical waste, if left unchecked, taints the sanctity of nature. His voice carried a warning: “Never recap needles—let them find their place in puncture-resistant containers, away from curious hands and fragile ecosystems.” He emphasized that true learning is not in receiving but in applying knowledge.
Prof. Asit K. Chandra, Dean, School of Physical Sciences, NEHU, Shillong and Guest of Honor took the dais to stress the solemn duty of healthcare workers in ensuring that waste is neither mixed nor mishandled. He urged the embrace of segregation, regular training, and unwavering adherence to modern waste management protocols, for every discarded vial, every used bandage, carries the weight of responsibility.
Prof. Nirmalendu Saha, Vice Chancellor, NEHU, Shillong, championed the sacred trinity of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), segregation at the source, and proper labelling. “The first step segregation is not merely a task; it is a commitment, a promise to safeguard the world beyond these walls,” he remarked.
He appreciated such initiatives being taken by the Biomedical Engineering Department within the university and commemorated the department for its efforts in collaborating and spreading knowledge extensively to medical workers thereby benefiting the society at large.
With an inspiring beginning, the week-long program is set to equip participants with insight, skill, and vision, fortifying the march towards sustainable and ethical biomedical waste management—where responsibility is not just practiced but lived.
