The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Osama Faqih, chaired this pivotal meeting, which was attended by representatives of various ministries and agencies, to review the decision cabinet Number “615” stipulates the formation of a permanent committee to monitor the prohibition of this substance.
In-depth scientific studies
This strategic step is based on in-depth scientific studies that have warned of the dire consequences of its continued use in any facility.
The meeting included detailed presentations on the uses of asbestos and its devastating effects on human health, along with a comprehensive review of international agreements and preventative measures adopted globally.
Participants discussed the timeline of international bans on asbestos, aiming to leverage these experiences to develop a comprehensive and effective national framework.
Strategic plan
The committee members focused clearly on defining the scope of work for the strategic plan, establishing precise performance indicators, and assessing existing legislative gaps to build robust implementation mechanisms.
The ministry affirmed that the plan will include clear tasks for each participating government entity, along with a specific timeline to ensure effective and rapid implementation without delays.
The committee is scheduled to submit its comprehensive strategic plan within a maximum of 180 days, taking into account past challenges and the measures taken to ban and dismantle the substance.
Suggested solutions
The committee will subsequently monitor the commitment of all parties and issue an annual report documenting achievements and proposed solutions to overcome any implementation obstacles that may arise.
This national initiative is characterized by unprecedented integration, with the participation of numerous sovereign and service ministries, including Health, Finance, Trade, Industry, and Transport, in addition to specialized bodies such as the Zakat Authority and the Food and Drug Authority.
This broad governmental collaboration, encompassing more than 16 national agencies and centers, reflects the profound concern for protecting society from this imminent health threat.
Serious diseases
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was once widely used in construction and industry for its heat resistance, before scientific studies established its strong link to serious illnesses such as pulmonary fibrosis and breast cancer.
Authorities have warned that handling old buildings containing this material requires the application of extremely precise technical procedures to protect people and the surrounding environment from its dispersal.
