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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 were organised under the Plastics Circularity Project, in partnership with The Coca-Cola Foundation and Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), to address the healthcare needs of underserved workers involved in informal plastic waste collection.
According to the organisers, around 110 workers from the two municipalities received free medical services, including blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, general health 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 praised the initiative, saying such events help meet the basic healthcare needs of waste workers who often remain outside formal healthcare systems.
Tangail Municipality Conservancy Inspector Mohammad Anisur Rahman said the workers play a vital role in keeping towns and cities clean and require proper healthcare support to continue their work effectively. Alongside diagnosis and treatment, the camp also provided practical health advice to participants, he added.
In addition to medical treatment, the programme included awareness sessions on occupational safety, focusing on reducing health 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.
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