Friday
21st Aug 2026
Dhivehi Edition
Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy
Addu to Get Maldives’ First Cytotoxic Waste Management Facility
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Addu City is set to establish the Maldives’ first specialised facility for the safe management and containment of cytotoxic medical waste under an agreement signed between the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Addu Equatorial Hospital (AEH) and the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO).
Cytotoxic waste includes expired or unused chemotherapy drugs, as well as materials and equipment used in their preparation and administration. Due to their hazardous nature, improper handling or disposal can pose serious health risks to healthcare and waste management workers and may contaminate soil and water.
AEH has accumulated around 70 kilograms of cytotoxic waste since introducing chemotherapy services in 2019, as there is currently no dedicated local disposal facility for such waste. The new project is intended to provide a safe and sustainable solution to this issue.
Under the proposed system, the waste will be treated through a containment process involving soda lime and stored in high-density polyethylene drums, which will be sealed with cement, labelled and securely kept to minimise the risk of exposure and environmental contamination.
The project site in Hithadhoo, located next to the temporary hazardous chemical storage facility, has been handed over for construction. The facility is expected to be completed and become operational within the year.
Under the agreement, the Ministry will coordinate the project, AEH will be responsible for the safe transportation of the waste and provide assistance with establishing the facility, while WAMCO will operate and maintain the centre.