JHALAKATHI, Mar 24 (V7N) – Public health expert Dr Ziauddin Haider has warned that unplanned waste management is putting both the environment and public health at significant risk.

Speaking at the inauguration of a cleanliness drive at a major market in Jhalakathi on Tuesday afternoon, he said harmful germs from food waste and plastic are entering the human body through soil, water and air, increasing diseases such as diarrhea and typhoid.

He also highlighted the growing threat of microplastics, noting that plastic waste is breaking down and entering the food chain. “This is a major risk for the future,” he said, adding that it is disrupting environmental balance and contributing to river and canal pollution as well as waterlogging.

As solutions, Dr Haider stressed the importance of waste segregation, expanded recycling, and modern waste management systems, alongside greater public awareness.

Later, after visiting Jhalakathi Sadar Hospital, he outlined plans to restructure grassroots healthcare services under guidance from Tarique Rahman.

He said there are plans to establish integrated primary healthcare units in every union, each staffed with doctors, nurses, midwives, lab technicians, and pharmacists. Additionally, three “hub” centres will be created to strengthen health awareness and preventive care at the community level.

According to Dr Haider, ensuring primary treatment at the union level will reduce pressure on upazila and district hospitals and ease the suffering of patients. Cases requiring advanced care would be referred step-by-step to higher-level facilities.

During his hospital inspection, he visited emergency, women’s, and children’s wards and spoke with patients and their families. While many praised doctors’ dedication, concerns were raised over shortages of beds, medicines, and cleanliness.

Dr Haider directed authorities to urgently address these issues and emphasized improving overall hospital management, tackling manpower shortages, and upgrading infrastructure to enhance healthcare services.

The event and inspection were attended by local officials, political leaders, healthcare professionals, and representatives of voluntary organizations.

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