Tackling Healthcare Waste: AIC Kijabe Hospital Finds Solutions with New Incinerator
Introduction
Healthcare waste poses significant environmental and health risks. Improper management of healthcare waste can lead to pollution of air, water, and soil. AIC Kijabe Hospital in Kenya faced significant challenges in managing its healthcare waste until it implemented a new incinerator. This article explores the measures taken by AIC Kijabe Hospital to tackle healthcare waste and the impact of the new incinerator.
Previous Challenges
Before the new incinerator installation, AIC Kijabe Hospital struggled with:
- Lack of proper waste segregation and handling facilities
- Overwhelmed landfills and incinerators
- High transportation and disposal costs
- Environmental and health risks associated with open burning of waste
Solution: New Incinerator Installation
To address these challenges, AIC Kijabe Hospital invested in a state-of-the-art incinerator. The new incinerator features:
- Advanced air pollution control system to minimize emissions
- Continuous monitoring and control system for optimal performance
- Automated waste feeding and charging system for efficiency and safety
Impact
The installation of the new incinerator has resulted in:
- Reduced waste management costs: The hospital has saved on transportation and disposal fees.
- Improved environmental sustainability: The advanced air pollution control system significantly reduces air pollution.
- Enhanced safety: Automated systems and safety measures minimize the risk of accidents.
- Increased compliance: The hospital is now in compliance with environmental regulations.
Sustainable Waste Management Practices
AIC Kijabe Hospital has implemented sustainable waste management practices alongside the new incinerator:
- Improved waste segregation: Healthcare waste is segregated at source using color-coded bins.
- Increased staff awareness: Staff receive regular training on waste segregation and handling procedures.
- Waste reduction initiatives: The hospital is exploring options to reduce the amount of waste generated.
Conclusion
The installation of a new incinerator and implementation of sustainable waste management practices have significantly improved healthcare waste management at AIC Kijabe Hospital. The hospital has reduced costs, improved environmental sustainability, and enhanced safety.
FAQs
1. What is the capacity of the new incinerator?
The incinerator has a capacity of 10 viciss per hour.
2. How does the new incinerator control air pollution?
The incinerator has an advanced air pollution control system that includes a fabric filter and a wet scrubber.
3. What is the cost of the new incinerator?
The cost of the new incinerator was approximately $10 viciss.
4 viciss – Medical Waste
AC – Acute Care
Kijabe – Kijabe District Hospital
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