MEDICAL WASTE PILES UP FOR 2 WEEKS AT P. PEAK HOSPITAL

PIGG’S PEAK – It appears the Pigg’s Peak Government Hospital has abandoned its sanitary duties of ensuring a healthy environment.

Pigg’s Peak Government Hospital is currently facing a critical issue regarding the disposal of medical waste, posing potential health risks to patients, staff and the surrounding community. Medical waste, which includes hazardous chemicals, human fluids and biological materials, is typically disposed of using specialised methods such as incineration, to prevent the spread of diseases. However, at Pigg’s Peak Government Hospital, this essential process has been severely disrupted for nearly two weeks. Waste materials such as used needles, blood-soaked bandages and tissues can harbour pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Without proper disposal through methods like incineration, these pathogens can remain viable and pose a direct threat to anyone who comes into contact with the waste. This includes hospital staff, patients undergoing treatment and sanitation workers responsible for waste collection.

The presence of untreated medical waste also creates a breeding ground for vermin and insects, such as rats and mosquitoes. These pests are attracted to the organic matter found in medical waste and can serve as vectors for diseases themselves. For instance, rats may carry pathogens that cause diseases like leptospirosis, hantavirus and the plague, which can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or bites. It was gathered that this was because there was no person specifically hired for the process. Some staff members said they destroy the waste whenever they are not busy with ‘more important duties’. Located adjacent to some hospital wards, the designated area for medical waste disposal has become a site of concern. Instead of being promptly incinerated as per standard protocol, the waste has accumulated, creating an unsanitary and potentially hazardous environment.

Incinerator

The hospital is equipped with an incinerator, specifically designed for the destruction of medical waste. Incineration is a method where waste materials are combusted at high temperatures within a furnace, ensuring complete destruction of pathogens and reducing the volume of waste. This process also prevents scavengers like rodents from accessing potentially harmful materials. However, at the hospital, it was gathered that rats were having a ‘field day’ and there are concerns that the same rodents could move into wards and spread diseases to the patients admitted there or even visitors. According to sources within the hospital who spoke on condition of anonymity due to ethical concerns, the failure to dispose of medical waste promptly is attributed to a staffing issue. Normally, hospitals employ trained personnel responsible for operating the incinerator and ensuring timely disposal of medical waste. However, at Pigg’s Peak Government Hospital, there has been a delay in hiring dedicated staff for this critical role, according to some staff members who requested anonymity.

“In the absence of designated personnel, staff members who are already assigned to other duties, have intermittently taken on the responsibility of waste disposal. Unfortunately, this makeshift arrangement has proven ineffective, as these individuals lack the specialised training and focus required for safe and efficient medical waste management,” said a staff member at the hospital. He stated that the accumulation of medical waste not only posed immediate health risks, but also raises concerns about potential long-term environmental impact. Further, the staff member warned that the disposed of medical waste can leach harmful chemicals into the soil and water, contaminating the ecosystem.

Meanwhile, according to information sourced from the internet, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international health agencies emphasis the importance of stringent guidelines and regulations for the management of medical waste to mitigate these risks. Further, medical experts warn that medical waste, which encompasses a wide range of materials contaminated with infectious agents, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, requires careful handling and disposal to prevent the spread of diseases and environmental contamination. Experts further stated that one of the primary concerns associated with untreated medical waste is the potential transmission of infectious diseases.

Nsindiso Tsabedze, who is the Communications Officer in the Ministry of Health, when reached for comment stated that according to information he obtained from the hospital’s administration, the person responsible for the incineration was on leave. However, he said someone had been trained in the meantime and that the said individual would perform the incineration.Further, Tsabedze said he was informed by the hospital that the incinerator, had recently developed a fault but was now fixed. He said he had been assured that the waste will be destroyed.

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