Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City and AstraZeneca launch an asthma inhaler recycling initiative
This partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), focuses on the recycling of asthma inhalers. While demonstrating a shared commitment to sustainable healthcare practices, this initiative also addresses the urgent need to reduce the healthcare sector's carbon footprint, which currently contributes to approximately 5% of the world's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Commenting on the launch of the initiative, Dr. Marwan Al Kaabi, chief executive officer at SSMC, said: 'By implementing a comprehensive inhaler recycling programme, SSMC and AstraZeneca are taking a significant step towards mitigating environmental harm, which aligns with the UAE's vision for net-zero carbon emissions, by 2050.'
Through the strategic placement of collection bins across SSMC's key clinics and pharmacies, the initiative will encourage asthma patients to participate in inhaler recycling. The partnership will also prioritise robust educational campaigns on asthma management and the importance of recycling – empowering both patients and staff at SSMC to engage in responsible disposal practices.
Dr. Al Kaabi, added: 'The PAS initiative is further testament to SSMC's leadership in proactive environmental stewardship within the healthcare sector. By launching this programme, we are taking decisive strides towards a healthier, more sustainable future, while setting a precedent and establishing a benchmark for responsible healthcare practices, within the region.'
Sameh El Fangary, cluster president for GCC and Pakistan at AstraZeneca, shared: 'Partnering with SSMC reflects our shared commitment to advancing innovative and sustainable respiratory care. This collaboration aims to reduce the environmental impact associated with inhaler use, aligning with our integrated approach to health—addressing both patient outcomes and environmental considerations.'
Project leads Dr. Haytham Shahata, research clinical pharmacist, and Dr. Lubna Issa, drug store operations manager at SSMC, said: 'Inhalers, among the most prevalent medical devices used in the UAE, account for nearly 80% of inhaler-related GHG output.1 This is largely attributable to hydrofluorocarbon propellants, which are up to 2,500 times more potent than carbon dioxide and can remain in the atmosphere for over 200 years.2,3 With 96% of an inhaler's climate impact stemming from these potent emissions, the PAS initiative is designed to significantly minimise the carbon footprint of respiratory care.4'
The PAS initiative reinforces the power of collaborative innovation in building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem. By fostering a culture of recycling and education, SSMC and AstraZeneca are taking the lead in advancing sustainable healthcare practices across the UAE, ultimately benefiting patients and the broader community by ensuring long-term health and environmental well-being.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Fadya Al Kathairi
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City
Email: falkathairi@ssmc.ae
Afaf El-Sharkawy
9Yards Communications
Email: afaf.elsharkawy@9yards.ae
References
Alzaabi A, Bell JP, Montero-Arias F, et al. Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Respiratory Treatments: Results from the SABA CARBON International Study. Adv Ther. 2023;40(11):4836-4856. doi:10.1007/s12325-023-02663-2.
Jeswani HK, Azapagic A. Life cycle environmental impacts of inhalers. J Clean Prod. 2019;237:117733. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.117733.
Borgford-Parnell N, Beaugrand M, Andersen SO, Zaelke D. Phasing Down the Use of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Contrib Pap Seiz Glob Oppor Partnersh Better Growth Better Clim. New Clim Econ. 2015. http://newclimateeconomy.report/misc/working-papers/.
PSNC Briefing 024.21. Reducing the climate change impact of inhalers: environmentally safe disposal. August 2021. https://cpe.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/PSNC-Briefing-024.21-Inhaler-disposal-factsheet.pdf.
About Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC)
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City is one of the largest tertiary hospitals in the UAE offering the highest standards of medical expertise for the treatment of serious and complex conditions. Established in 2019, SSMC has 660 patient beds, 18 operating theatres, including a hybrid operating room and a 26-bed neonatal intensive care unit. Supported by the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities available, SSMC offers care in 46 specialties, bringing advanced and trusted quality care closer to the UAE and the wider region.
For more information on Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City or to book an appointment, please visit: ssmc.ae.
About PureHealth
PureHealth is the largest healthcare group in the Middle East with an ecosystem that challenges lifespans and reimagines health spans. With 100+ hospitals, 300+ clinics, multiple diagnostic centres, health insurance solutions, pharmacies, health tech, procurement, investments and more, its groundbreaking innovations are at the forefront of healthcare as the company is on a mission to unlock time for humankind. By advancing the Science of Longevity, PureHealth is introducing the healthcare of the future from the United Arab Emirates to the rest of the world.
PureHealth's network comprises:
SEHA – One of the largest healthcare networks of hospitals and clinics in the UAE
SEHA CLINICS - Delivering comprehensive community-based healthcare services
Daman (The National Health Insurance Company) – The UAE's leading health insurer
The Medical Office – Overseeing Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals and healthcare facilities established under the initiatives of H.H. The President of the UAE
Rafed – The UAE's largest healthcare Group Purchasing Organisation
PureLab – Managing and operating the largest network of laboratories in the region
One Health – A network that provides end-to-end medical solutions to a base of over 300 healthcare service providers
The Life Corner – Abu Dhabi's first holistic pharmacy, serving the health and wellness establishment
Ardent Health Services – The fourth largest privately held acute care hospital operator in the US
Circle Health Group – The largest independent operators of hospitals in the UK
Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG) - the largest private healthcare provider in Greece and Cyprus
PureCS - A leading cloud and technology services provider, specialising in IT management and consulting solutions, cybersecurity, cloud services and AI information systems
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) – The UAE's largest healthcare complex, delivering integrated complex care
To learn more, please visit www.purehealth.ae.
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