Waste management is a critical aspect of healthcare, particularly in rural areas where resources are limited. In Kenya, St Akidiva Memorial Hospital, a rural healthcare facility, faces unique challenges in managing its waste. This news reviews the hospital’s waste incineration practices and highlights the challenges it encounters.
Introduction to St Akidiva Memorial Hospital
St Akidiva Memorial Hospital is a rural healthcare facility located in Western Kenya. The hospital provides a range of healthcare services, including inpatient and outpatient care, maternity services, and laboratory testing. With a bed capacity of 100, the hospital serves a catchment population of approximately 50,000 people.
Waste Incineration Practices at St Akidiva Memorial Hospital
The hospital uses a waste incinerator to manage its hazardous waste, including medical waste, sharps, and pharmaceutical waste. The incinerator is a simple, locally fabricated unit that operates at a temperature of 800-1000°C. The hospital’s waste management team is responsible for collecting, sorting, and disposing of waste through the incinerator.
Challenges Facing St Akidiva Memorial Hospital’s Waste Incineration Practices
- Lack of Training and Capacity Building: The hospital’s waste management team lacks adequate training and capacity building on proper waste handling, segregation, and disposal techniques.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: The hospital’s waste incinerator is outdated and lacks proper maintenance, leading to frequent breakdowns and inefficient combustion.
- Insufficient Funding: The hospital faces financial constraints, which limit its ability to purchase necessary waste management equipment, maintain the incinerator, and provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the waste management team.
- Environmental and Health Concerns: The hospital’s waste incineration practices raise environmental and health concerns, including air and water pollution, and the risk of toxic emissions.
www.hiclover.com and Recommendations
In conclusion, St Akidiva Memorial Hospital’s waste incineration practices face significant challenges that hinder the effective management of hazardous waste. To address these challenges, the hospital should prioritize training and capacity building for its waste management team, invest in modern and efficient waste management infrastructure, and explore alternative waste management technologies, such as autoclaving or microwaving. Additionally, the hospital should engage with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure compliance with national and international waste management regulations.
For more information on waste management in healthcare, visit the World Health Organization (WHO) website or the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) website.
Comments are closed