Japan funds infectious waste incinerators for 15 State hospitals

Thursday, 4 September 2025 05:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Health Ministry yesterday said it plans to install advanced infectious waste incinerators in 15 Government hospitals under the Infectious Waste Management Improvement Project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The initiative, backed by a 503 million yen ($ 1 million) grant from the JICA, is intended to improve medical waste management and promote safer disposal methods.

According to the Ministry, incinerators are already operational at Trincomalee District General Hospital, Ratnapura and Kurunegala Teaching Hospitals, the district hospitals in Embilipitiya, Avissawella, Hambantota, Mannar, and Kilinochchi, base hospitals in Rikillagaskada, Mahiyanganaya, Puttalam, Meerigama, Medirigiriya, and Welikanda, as well as the divisional hospital in Nakulugamuwa.

The Trincomalee District General Hospital now houses one of the largest units, with a capacity of 162 kg of infectious waste per hour.

Across the project, five high-capacity machines of this type and 10 smaller models, each designed to handle 58 kg per hour, have been deployed. The Ministry added that the equipment was selected to match the specific needs of each hospital.