More than 120 informal plastic waste workers received basic healthcare services at two special health and safety camps organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Tangail and Elenga municipalities on Wednesday.
The camps, arranged under the Plastics Circularity Project in partnership with The Coca-Cola Foundation and Young Power in Social Action, aimed to address the healthcare needs of an underserved group of workers engaged in informal plastic waste collection.
According to organisers, around 110 workers in two pouroshava areas received free medical services, including blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, general consultations, and essential medicines.
The initiative also placed special emphasis on women workers by offering private consultations on reproductive and menstrual health. Female participants were provided with dignity kits containing hygiene and safety supplies.
Municipal Executive Officer Chandana Rani Sarkar attended one of the camps in Elenga and appreciated the initiative, saying such event addresses the basic health needs of waste workers who often remain outside formal healthcare systems.
Tangail Municipality Conservancy Inspector Mohammad Anisur Rahman said the workers play a crucial role in keeping the cities and towns clean and need proper health support to sustain their work. He added that along with diagnosis and treatment, the camp also provided practical health advice to the participants.
Besides treatment, the programme included awareness sessions on occupational safety, focusing on reducing risks associated with waste handling.
UNDP officials said the Plastics Circularity Project is working to build a more inclusive waste management system by integrating informal workers into the circular economy while ensuring their health, safety, and dignity.
