Medics trained in health care waste management

The Regional Health Integration to Enhance Services in Eastern Uganda (USAID RHITES-E) in conjunction with Ministry of Health have trained health administrators who pledged to support and strengthen health care waste management system.

Paul Okwalinga, the laboratory advisor RHITES is pleased with the commitment of the health workers that comprised district health officers, nurses and lab technicians.

"We also have district committee to develop action plans in form of policy statements that will guide the implementation of bio-risk activities in the various districts," Okwalinga said.

Administrators of 22 hospitals in eastern Uganda have also committed to allocate budgets towards health care waste management.

"The other major gap has been lack of budget in the district and work plans that guide bio-risk management and as a way forward, they are going to draw a budget and commit funds to bio risk management in the districts," Okwalinga added.

Research indicated that care waste management in hospitals across the country was below average which put the patients and medics at risk.

Atek Kagirita, the bio-risk management officer in the ministry of health said the situation required urgent attention to avoid cases of death.