Urgent call for proper medical waste disposal and integrity in Uganda’s health sector

As Uganda’s health sector continues to grow, addressing the safe disposal of medical waste and upholding integrity among medical professionals have become urgent issues.

The National Drug Shops Advocacy Initiative (NDAI) is calling for swift action to combat these challenges, particularly for small-scale health service providers that are struggling with proper waste management.

Denis Ssenyonjo, the chairperson of NDAI, has raised serious concerns about the improper disposal of medical waste by private drug retailers and small health facilities.

He notes that hazardous medical waste, including syringes, needles, gauze pads, cotton wools, and used gloves, is often discarded alongside regular garbage, posing significant health and environmental risks to communities.

“Improper disposal of medical waste not only harms the environment but also exposes communities to serious health risks. We need support from the National Drug Authority (NDA) to manage our waste better,” Ssenyonjo urged during the opening of the NDA’s Central Region Service Center in Masaka.

He emphasized the need for accessible incineration facilities to ensure that private health providers can safely dispose of their medical waste.

The appeal comes at a time when the management of medical waste is gaining attention, as the improper handling of such waste can lead to the spread of infections, contamination of water sources, and pollution of the environment.

By setting up common incineration facilities, the NDA could play a crucial role in safeguarding public health and ensuring that small-scale providers are equipped to manage their waste responsibly.

In response, Dr. David Nahamya, the Secretary of the NDA, stressed the importance of integrity within the sector. He urged drug and medicine dealers to self-regulate and ensure that they are not involved in illegal activities, such as the theft of government supplies, smuggling, or the sale of counterfeit medicines.

“The success of our health sector depends on the integrity of its professionals. We must eliminate harmful practices that damage the system and endanger lives,” Nahamya said.

Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo, Chairperson of the NDA Board, called on local leaders and security agencies to increase vigilance and help eliminate rackets that steal government medical supplies.

He emphasized that regional service centers, like the one in Masaka, would help tackle the growing issue of unqualified individuals vending drugs, a practice that endangers the lives of many.

“We cannot tolerate individuals who exploit the system for self-enrichment while endangering public health. It’s time for us to be more vigilant,” Bitekyerezo added, calling for concerted efforts to tackle these challenges at both local and national levels.

As the NDA expands its regional services, the hope is that these measures will improve not only the regulation of medical waste but also ensure that the integrity of the healthcare system is maintained.

With collaboration between local authorities, health providers, and regulatory bodies, Uganda can take significant steps toward protecting its communities from the dangers of improper waste disposal and unethical practices in the health sector.