New small-scale medical waste incinerator strengthens health services in Ghana

New small-scale medical waste incinerator strengthens health services in Ghana

Introduction

Ghana’s healthcare system has long faced the challenge of medical waste management, an issue that poses significant risks to the health and well-being of healthcare professionals, patients and the general public. The country’s inadequate waste management infrastructure has led to widespread unsanitary conditions, environmental contamination and perpetuation of disease. To address this problem, the government has introduced a small-scale medical waste incinerator at the Tamale Teaching Hospital in the Northern Region, a move that is expected to revolutionize waste management in the country’s health sector.

Ghana’s Growing Medical Waste Problem

Ghana, a country of more than 30 million people, generates around 10,000 tonnes of medical waste per year. The majority of this waste is not disposed of properly, and many healthcare facilities do not have adequate facilities and resources to effectively manage their waste. This not only poses a significant environmental risk, but also endangers the health of healthcare professionals, patients and the wider community.

The need for a solution

The need for a sustainable and effective medical waste management solution is pressing. The lack of a centralized waste management system has led to improper disposal of sharp instruments, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, among other hazardous wastes. This has led to contamination of soil, water and air, as well as the spread of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and hepatitis.

Small-scale medical waste incinerator

In response to this crisis, the government introduced a small-scale medical waste incinerator at Tamale Teaching Hospital, a 50-bed hospital located in the heart of the Northern region. The incinerator, designed to incinerate medical waste, is expected to significantly reduce environmental and health risks associated with improper waste disposal.

The 2 tonnes per day capacity incinerator is designed to process a variety of medical waste, including infectious waste, chemical waste and general waste. The incinerator is equipped with advanced technology, including gasification system, heat exchanger and flue gas treatment system, which ensures that the whole process is environmentally friendly. environment and safe for the workforce.

Advantages of Small Scale Medical Waste Incinerator

The introduction of a small-scale medical waste incinerator at the Tamale Teaching Hospital is expected to have many benefits for the health sector in Ghana. Some of the benefits include:

• Improved waste management: The incinerator will significantly reduce the volume of medical waste, allowing for better management and disposal of hazardous waste.
• Reduced environmental risks: The incinerator will reduce the risk of environmental pollution, as hazardous waste will be destroyed and non-hazardous waste will be disposed of safely.
• Protection of healthcare workers and patients: The incinerator will minimize the risk of occupational exposure to infections and diseases, ensuring a safer working environment for healthcare workers and protecting patients from infections.
• Improved health services: The incinerator will free up resources and space in healthcare facilities, allowing more focus on patient care and treatment.

Conclusion

The introduction of a small-scale medical waste incinerator at the Tamale Teaching Hospital is an important step towards improving health services in Ghana. The incinerator will reduce the risk of environmental and occupational pollution, protect the health and well-being of healthcare workers and patients, and improve the overall quality of healthcare services in the country. As the healthcare sector in Ghana continues to evolve, the need for effective and efficient medical waste management solutions will only grow. The small medical waste incinerator at the Tamale Teaching Hospital is a model that can be replicated in other health facilities across the country, thereby improving the health and well-being of all Ghanaians.