The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is planning to strengthen medical waste management by improving incinerator capacity at sub-divisional hospitals across Fiji, including Rotuma.

 Health and Medical Services Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says the Ministry currently has plans for incinerators at Naboro, Lautoka, Rakiraki, Taveuni and Kadavu, with the long-term plan for all sub-divisional hospitals to have their own incineration facilities.

 He says this will improve the disposal of hospital waste and reduce the challenges associated with transporting medical waste to available incineration facilities.

 In Rotuma, the hospital currently follows its own waste management plan, with hospital waste transported to the incinerator for disposal where feasible. The Ministry also provides fuel to support the incineration process.

 Dr Lalabalavu says the expansion of incineration capacity is part of the Ministry’s broader effort to ensure medical waste is safely and effectively managed across all health facilities, including those in remote and maritime areas.

By: Litia Rabua