University of Hyderabad Joins Global Effort to Combat Plastic Waste in Healthcare

The University of Hyderabad’s Department of Anthropology is set to participate in a significant international initiative aimed at tackling the challenges posed by single-use plastics in healthcare. The project, titled “After the Single Use,” is supported by a substantial funding of £5.9 million from the Wellcome Trust. This initiative unites researchers from eight countries to investigate the cultural, social, and environmental impacts of medical plastics, with the goal of promoting sustainable healthcare practices.

Associate Professor Nanda Kishore Kannuri will play a key role in this project, receiving a grant of £422,608 (approximately ₹5,00,29,264) over a five-year period. His contributions will focus on examining the factors that have led to the current healthcare waste crisis, assessing the life cycles of disposable medical technologies, and collaborating with various stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions.

Understanding the Scope of the Project

The “After the Single Use” project aims to explore a range of diverse healthcare settings, from aid posts in Papua New Guinea to hospitals in the USA and India. Researchers will investigate global interconnections in healthcare waste, such as the phenomenon of syringes manufactured in India being used in Senegal. This comprehensive analysis seeks to identify local solutions that can effectively reduce reliance on single-use plastics.

Dr. Kannuri expressed enthusiasm about the collaborative nature of the project, stating, “We look forward to working with our international partners to develop innovative solutions that can be applied in diverse healthcare settings.”

The project brings together a talented group of collaborators from prestigious institutions such as Johns Hopkins University (USA), University of Edinburgh (UK), University of New South Wales (Australia), University of Geneva (Switzerland), University of Oslo (Norway), National Institute of Medical Research (Tanzania), CRCF (Senegal), and the PNG Institute of Medical Research (Papua New Guinea). Additionally, key NGO partners like Health Care Without Harm and the Norwegian Bioart Arena are also contributing to this vital research.

Addressing Global Challenges

The research team aims to unravel the complexities surrounding healthcare waste and its environmental implications. By analyzing the lifecycle of disposable medical technologies, the project seeks to highlight the urgent need for circular healthcare economies that minimize waste and promote sustainability.

The initiative addresses a pressing global issue as healthcare systems worldwide grapple with the environmental repercussions of single-use plastics. By fostering international collaboration and sharing knowledge, the “After the Single Use” project aims to create impactful strategies that can be implemented across various healthcare systems.

This concerted effort underscores the importance of addressing the environmental footprint of healthcare practices, paving the way for improved health outcomes and sustainable solutions in the future. As the University of Hyderabad joins this global endeavor, it stands poised to contribute meaningful insights to the ongoing discourse on healthcare sustainability.