Introduction:
Tanzania, like many other developing countries, faces significant challenges in managing waste, particularly in the healthcare sector. The Kibungo Level Two Teaching Hospital, located in the Dodoma Region, is one such institution that has been grappling with waste management issues. This news presents a case study of the hospital’s incinerator, highlighting the successes and challenges faced in managing waste, and provides recommendations for improvement.
Background
The Kibungo Level Two Teaching Hospital is a major healthcare facility in Tanzania, providing medical services to a large population. The hospital generates a substantial amount of waste, including infectious and non-infectious waste, sharps, and pharmaceutical waste. Proper management of this waste is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases, protect the environment, and ensure the well-being of patients, staff, and the surrounding community.
The Incinerator
The hospital has an incinerator that was installed in 2010 to manage infectious and pathological waste. The incinerator is a batch-type incinerator with a capacity to burn 50 kg of waste per hour. It is equipped with a scrubber and a chimney to minimize air pollution. The incinerator is operated by a team of trained personnel who are responsible for collecting, sorting, and burning waste.
Waste Collection and Segregation
The hospital has a waste collection system in place, where waste is collected from different departments and segregated into different categories. The waste is then transported to the incinerator site, where it is further sorted and prepared for burning. However, the hospital faces challenges in maintaining a proper waste segregation system, particularly in the wards and departments, which can lead to contamination and mixing of infectious and non-infectious waste.
Incineration Process
The incineration process involves burning the waste at high temperatures, typically above 1000°C, to reduce the volume of waste and kill pathogens. The incinerator is operated for 4-6 hours a day, 5 days a week, depending on the amount of waste generated. The ash and residue from the incineration process are disposed of in a designated landfill.
Challenges Faced
Despite the efforts made to manage waste, the hospital faces several challenges, including:
- Lack of proper waste segregation and contamination of non-infectious waste with infectious waste
- Insufficient training of staff on waste management and incinerator operation
- Frequent breakdown of the incinerator due to lack of maintenance and spare parts
- Limited capacity of the incinerator to handle the large volume of waste generated
- Lack of a proper ash and residue disposal system
Recommendations
To address the challenges faced by the hospital, the following recommendations are made:
- Improve waste segregation and collection systems, including training of staff on proper waste segregation and handling
- Regular maintenance and repair of the incinerator to ensure its optimal functioning
- Increase the capacity of the incinerator or install additional incinerators to handle the large volume of waste generated
- Develop a proper ash and residue disposal system, including a designated landfill and leachate collection system
- Establish a waste management committee to oversee and coordinate waste management activities in the hospital
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The Kibungo Level Two Teaching Hospital incinerator is a vital component of the hospital’s waste management system. However, the hospital faces significant challenges in managing waste, including lack of proper waste segregation, insufficient training of staff, and frequent breakdown of the incinerator. To address these challenges, it is essential to improve waste segregation and collection systems, maintain and repair the incinerator, increase its capacity, and develop a proper ash and residue disposal system. By implementing these recommendations, the hospital can ensure the safe and effective management of waste, protecting the health and well-being of patients, staff, and the surrounding community.
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