Introduction:
The management of waste in healthcare facilities is a critical aspect of environmental health and safety. In Kenya, the healthcare sector generates a significant amount of waste, including infectious, pathological, and non-infectious waste. Kiminini Sub County Hospital, located in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, is one of the healthcare facilities that generates a substantial amount of waste. This news reviews the waste management practices at Kiminini Sub County Hospital, with a focus on the incinerator.
Background
Kiminini Sub County Hospital is a level IV hospital that provides both inpatient and outpatient services to the population of Trans Nzoia County and its neighboring counties. The hospital has a bed capacity of 200 and attends to over 500 patients per day. The hospital generates a significant amount of waste, including infectious waste, sharps, pharmaceutical waste, and non-infectious waste.
Waste Management Practices
The hospital has a waste management policy that outlines the procedures for waste collection, segregation, storage, transportation, and disposal. The hospital uses a color-coding system to segregate waste into different categories, including yellow bags for infectious waste, red bags for pathological waste, and black bags for non-infectious waste.
The hospital has an incinerator that is used to dispose of infectious and pathological waste. The incinerator is a controlled-air incinerator that operates at a temperature of 1000°C. The incinerator is designed to reduce the volume of waste by 90% and to eliminate pathogens and other hazardous substances.
Challenges Facing the Incinerator
Despite the presence of an incinerator, the hospital faces several challenges in its waste management practices. One of the major challenges is the lack of fuel to operate the incinerator. The hospital relies on diesel to operate the incinerator, which is expensive and often in short supply. As a result, the incinerator is not always operational, leading to accumulation of waste.
Another challenge facing the hospital is the lack of training and awareness among healthcare workers on proper waste management practices. Many healthcare workers are not aware of the proper procedures for waste segregation, collection, and disposal, leading to contamination of waste and accidents.
Recommendations
To improve the waste management practices at Kiminini Sub County Hospital, several recommendations can be made. First, the hospital should explore alternative fuel sources, such as solar or biogas, to operate the incinerator. This would reduce the hospital’s reliance on diesel and minimize the environmental impact of the incinerator.
Second, the hospital should provide training and awareness programs for healthcare workers on proper waste management practices. This would improve the segregation, collection, and disposal of waste and reduce the risk of accidents and contamination.
Third, the hospital should consider implementing a recycling program to reduce the amount of waste generated. This could include recycling of paper, plastic, and glass waste, as well as composting of organic waste.
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In conclusion, the waste management practices at Kiminini Sub County Hospital, Kenya, face several challenges, including lack of fuel to operate the incinerator and lack of training and awareness among healthcare workers. To improve the waste management practices, the hospital should explore alternative fuel sources, provide training and awareness programs, and consider implementing a recycling program. By implementing these recommendations, the hospital can reduce the environmental impact of its waste management practices and improve the health and safety of its patients, staff, and the surrounding community.
References:
- World Health Organization (2018). Safe management of wastes from health-care activities.
- Kenya Ministry of Health (2018). National Healthcare Waste Management Policy.
- Trans Nzoia County Government (2020). Waste Management Policy.
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