Advertorial
Nur-Ul-Ainnie Kazi, Health Officer, ICT/CDA, Federal Directorate of Immunization
Environment-friendly medical waste incinerator has been given green light by the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations & Coordination, Pakistan. This cutting-edge medical facility is envisioned to be a game changer in the hospital waste management system as Pakistan is focused on upholding the principles of environmental sustainability.sni
This comprehensive and integrated solution is designed to ease disproportionate brunt of low-income and minority communities, evaporating harmful toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases in air and ensure the beauty of Islamabad remains pristine. As it is a professional and legal requirement to ensure an environmentally friendly disposal of hospital waste, Pakistan has implemented a health environment regulatory framework such as Hospital Waste Management rule 2005.sni
Specifications of machinery
Major features include a water-cooled structure, where main body of furnace is covered with water jackets and the wet scrubber which absorbs harmful pollutants. This dual-chamber model is refined to endure a reckless operation. Since ash outlets and a chimney are exposed to high temperature or acidic condition, hot dip aluminized steel plates are used to provide high durability and acid resistance. The structure remains undamaged even if high calorific value wastes like plastics are incinerated.sni
Forced air supply method (combustion air is forcibly supplied into the furnace) enables prompt and smokeless incineration by supplying an appropriate amount of high-pressure air to the right position. Main body consists of general steel plates with a simple assembly.sni
A game changer promoting health and well-being
In Islamabad, the daily infectious waste generation including EPI is 4000 to 5000 kg. The incinerator would incinerate 150 kg/hr and a total of 1000 kg waste daily. It ensures effective treatment of hazardous healthcare, particularly sharp, infectious and pathological waste by incinerating it at 1000-1200 degree celsius.sni
Infectious waste includes dressings, bandages, cotton, gloves and masks contaminated with blood or body fluid. Pathological waste includes human tissues, organs, fluids, body parts and contaminated animal carcasses. Sharp waste consists of disposable scalpels, blades, syringes and needles etcetera. Approximately 15-18 tons of EPI waste is produced daily in the country. A 50-60% of it contains syringes and 30-40% includes vials. Incineration is a widely used process to treat medical waste. Therefore, there will be gradual reduction in health hazards and ease of burden due to high level of concerns of the management, under a strong leadership at present.sni
Dr Muhammad Ahmad Kazi mentioned that FDI’s investment in this environmentally friendly incinerator for immunization hospital waste reflects government’s unwavering dedication to deliver healthcare services of the highest quality while upholding the principles of environmental sustainability
Precisely above 60% of total waste is plastic in nature. Central systemic collects and treats wastes from many health facilities in an urban region. Waste from EPI facilities; CDA and ICT will be incinerated to reduce soil, water and air pollution in the future. The incinerator will eradicate microbiological contamination. It will control bad air emissions from medical waste like dioxin, oxides of sulphur and nitrogen, mercury, carbon monoxide, furan, lead, cadmium and acid gases which pose a great risk to health and lead to adverse health effects. This is to ensure air pollution control while reducing energy consumption.sni
Also, safety of the workers is guaranteed with proper equipment. These measures will ensure an ideal approach to controlling infection and supervising hospital hygiene. Regarding environmental protection, this advanced incinerator employs latest technology to minimize emissions and reduce the impact on environment. It complies with stringent environmental regulations, ensuring the surroundings remain immaculate.sni
Dr Kazi stated that we look forward to leading by example in the healthcare industry and making a positive impact on our community and the planet
Evergreen Pakistan
Pakistan is aligning its actions with the international environmental regulatory laws of Stockholm Convention global treaty to protect humans and environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs). POPs are chemicals that remain in environment for long periods, accumulate in the fatty tissue of living organisms and are toxic to humans and wildlife. Pakistan’s National Environment policy shows commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to changing climate. This strategy encompasses all aspects of sustainable development goal 9; prioritising infrastructure, industry and innovation. Inclusive sustainable industrialisation will not only foster innovation but provide economical ease to the healthcare workforce too.sni
In a momentous step towards enhancing healthcare waste management and fulfilling Pakistan’s environmental responsibility the Federal Directorate of Immunization engages community by investing in environmentally friendly technologies. It demonstrates its commitment to the well-being of Pakistani communities and aims to inspire others in the industry to adopt eco-conscious practices. Pakistan is maintaining a steadfast compliance as per its National Environment policy and is proud to be at the forefront of responsible healthcare waste management.sni
The Federal Directorate of Immunisation now ensures compliance to local, national and international waste disposal regulations. Bringing a global impact as the responsible waste management requires global efforts to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution. The incinerator captures and harnesses energy generated during the waste disposal process, leading to energy savings and reduced reliance on non-renewable resources. This commitment to sustainability aligns with our broader prospect of going green initiatives.sni
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