University of Hyderabad Joins Global Initiative on Medical Plastics

The University of Hyderabad’s Department of Anthropology has embarked on an international initiative titled “After the Single Use,” aimed at tackling the environmental and health repercussions of single-use plastics in healthcare. This project, supported by a substantial £5.9 million Discovery Award from the Wellcome Trust, involves a collaborative effort among researchers from eight countries to investigate the cultural, social, and environmental aspects of medical plastics, ultimately promoting circular healthcare economies.

Associate Professor Nanda Kishore Kannuri will spearhead the University of Hyderabad’s contribution, receiving a grant of £422,608 (approximately ₹5,00,29,264) over five years. The initiative will delve into the factors contributing to the ongoing healthcare waste crisis, assess the life cycles of disposable medical technologies, and engage with relevant stakeholders to devise sustainable solutions.

Collaborative Research Across Continents

The project will explore diverse healthcare settings, from aid posts in Papua New Guinea to hospitals in the USA and India. It aims to examine global interconnections in healthcare waste, such as the phenomenon of syringes produced in India being utilized in Senegal, and identify local strategies to lessen dependence on single-use plastics.

Dr. Kannuri expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We look forward to working with our international partners to develop innovative solutions that can be applied in diverse healthcare settings.” This sentiment underscores the project’s focus on effective collaboration and shared knowledge across various regions.

The research team includes esteemed collaborators from institutions such as the University of Edinburgh in the UK, University of New South Wales in Australia, University of Geneva in Switzerland, and University of Oslo in Norway. Additional partners include the National Institute of Medical Research in Tanzania, CRCF in Senegal, PNG Institute of Medical Research in Papua New Guinea, and Johns Hopkins University in the USA. Key NGO partners, including Health Care Without Harm and the Norwegian Bioart Arena, are also integral to the project.

This collaborative effort not only highlights the urgent need to address single-use plastics in healthcare but also encourages interdisciplinary approaches to finding sustainable solutions. The outcomes of this research have the potential to influence healthcare practices globally, promoting a more environmentally responsible future in medical settings.