Nyong’o unveils Sh131m medical waste facility
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has commissioned an ultra-modern medical microwave shredder at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referral and Teaching Hospital (JOORTH) to boost medical waste management in the county.
The Sh131 million facility uses modern technology in handling infectious medical waste.
Speaking during the launch on Wednesday, Nyong’o hailed the scheme saying some medical waste can be carcinogenic when not properly managed.
He directed the county department of Health to draft regulations that will stop the use of incinerators in health facilities in the county.
Nyong’o further cautioned all hospitals and medical workers to stop disposing of medical waste in dump sites as it harms the environment.
The county boss reiterated that the development has come at a time when the county was enhancing its commitment to handle the disposal of medical waste in health institutions.
“This project is part of the ongoing larger modernisation of JOORTH which includes the building of the Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre.
This is a major cancer management project with two bunkers; the Neurosurgery Research Centre; the Sickle Cell Anaemia Research Centre and the Doctors Suites.
All are aimed at positioning the facility as a premier teaching and referral centre of choice in the region and beyond,” said Nyong’o.
Dr Francis Kuria, the Head of Directorate for Public Health at the Ministry of Health (MoH) said the project would feature in eight counties across the country through a partnership between MoH and Belgium government.
End products useful
Other counties which will benefit from the programme are Machakos, Embu, Meru, Kisii and Nakuru. Mombasa and Kakamega.
The facility at JOORTH has a capacity to crash 250kg of infectious medical waste per hour or four tonnes per day and will professionally manage waste from all hospitals in the county.
The breakthrough will see the medical fraternity move from the hazardous burn technology incinerator and use the modern technology in the disposal and management of waste.
Dr Kuria said microwave technology reduces the effect of wastes and the end products are useful.
“The remnants can be used to produce Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and other counties are even producing fertilisers from the same,” he said — KNA
