Medical waste management is a critical aspect of healthcare that ensures the protection of public health and the environment. In Kenya, the management of medical waste has become a pressing concern due to the increasing volume of waste generated from healthcare facilities. This news presents a case study of Mariwa Health Centre’s incineration practices, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for improving medical waste management in Kenya.
Introduction
Mariwa Health Centre is a public health facility located in Kisumu County, Kenya. The health centre provides primary healthcare services to the surrounding community, generating a significant amount of medical waste. The management of medical waste at Mariwa Health Centre is primarily through incineration, which involves burning the waste at high temperatures to reduce its volume and destroy pathogens. However, the incineration practices at Mariwa Health Centre have raised concerns about the potential environmental and health impacts.
Background
Medical waste management in Kenya is regulated by the Ministry of Health and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). The regulations require healthcare facilities to segregate, store, and dispose of medical waste in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. However, many healthcare facilities in Kenya, including Mariwa Health Centre, face challenges in complying with these regulations due to inadequate infrastructure, lack of trained personnel, and limited resources.
Methodology
This case study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the incineration practices at Mariwa Health Centre. Data was collected through observations, interviews with healthcare workers, and review of medical waste management records. The study also conducted a waste characterization study to determine the composition of medical waste generated at the health centre.
Results
The study found that Mariwa Health Centre generates an average of 10 kilograms of medical waste per day, with the majority being non-hazardous waste such as paper, plastic, and fabric. However, the health centre lacks a proper waste segregation system, leading to the mixing of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. The incineration practices at the health centre also raised concerns, with the incinerator not being operated at optimal temperatures, leading to incomplete combustion and potential release of toxic pollutants.
Discussion
The findings of this study highlight the challenges faced by healthcare facilities in Kenya in managing medical waste. The lack of proper waste segregation, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources contribute to the poor management of medical waste. The incineration practices at Mariwa Health Centre also pose environmental and health risks, including air pollution and the potential spread of diseases.
Recommendations
To improve medical waste management at Mariwa Health Centre, the following recommendations are made:
- Implement a proper waste segregation system to separate hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
- Upgrade the incineration facility to ensure optimal temperatures and complete combustion.
- Provide training to healthcare workers on proper medical waste management practices.
- Explore alternative waste management technologies, such as autoclaving and microwaving, that are more environmentally friendly.
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Medical waste management is a critical aspect of healthcare that requires attention and action. The case study of Mariwa Health Centre’s incineration practices highlights the challenges and opportunities for improving medical waste management in Kenya. By implementing proper waste segregation systems, upgrading incineration facilities, and providing training to healthcare workers, healthcare facilities in Kenya can reduce the environmental and health impacts of medical waste. Further research is needed to explore alternative waste management technologies and to develop policies and guidelines that support the safe and environmentally friendly management of medical waste.
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