Incinerator for Chuuk State Hospital
February 26, 2010 by Clark Graham
Filed under Clark Graham, Health, NGOs, News
Incinerators for Chuuk State Hospital. Photo by Clark Graham.
By Clark Graham
On February 1, 2010 a brand new bio-incinerator was delivered to the Chuuk State Hospital. The hospital desperately needed an incinerator for trash and bio-waste and Rotary Clubs from International Rotary District No. 2750, made aware of the need from a JICA volunteer working at the hospital several years ago, answered the call.
Combining resources, the Denen Chofu Club, Seijo Shin Club and Hachioji West Rotary Club all of Japan, in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Truk Lagoon (RCTL) provided all necessary funding for this important humanitarian project.
Thanks to the amended FSM tax law permitting donated items to have a duty free status, the FSM national government and the Chuuk State government waived all taxes and associated charges. Transco donated handling and unloading fees.
A major reason for the success of this project is JICA volunteer Tadashi Miyagi. Tadashi has acted as coordinator of this project, helping with communications and preparations. Tadashi has worked closely with the Rotary Club of Truk Lagoon (RCTL) and his dedication, expertise and support went a long way to the success of this project.
Not only did the Rotary Clubs pay for the incinerator to be manufactured, but covered all shipping costs. But there is more. On February 10 a factory trained representative arrived in Chuuk to train hospital staff in its operation.
Chuuk State, especially the hospital, the Rotary Club of Truk Lagoon, and the people of Chuuk are most grateful to Rotary District 2750, the donor clubs, Truk Transportation Company and JICA for there assistance and concern for the people of Chuuk and for taking action to help.
It is through such collaborative efforts by concerned individuals that positive steps are taken to alleviate needs in our islands. We should all be grateful for the help of all individuals and organizations involved.
Founded by Chuukese
Thank you very much to all sources for providing something that will take care of some of the problem at our present hospital.
I used to remember the first incenerator that was first installed along with this present hospital when it was first built, around 1970s. It was great.
One thing I remember when ANYTHING was dumped inside and later burned. Then the fume just spread in the air and many times it goes back into the ward where our patients especially in the Pediadric ward and the Obstetric Ward (new born babies) live.
I am not sure where these new inventions maybe stored or kept, but I hope our hospital administration really look into where it should be place. Try somewhere away from the possible direction where air vents back into the hospital and to neighboring residents.
My sincere appreciation to the organisations for your continued support to our Chuukese people.
Kinisou chapur,
The incinerator was carefully selected by the Rotary Clubs. It is a state-of-the-art incinerator and environmentally friendly, allowing it to be placed relatively close to the hospital. The incinerator fumes/smoke, if properly used, gives off mostly white steam, nothing harmful.
However, the challenge now is for the Department of Health Services and staff to use and maintain the incinerator properly. This requires them to separate bio-waste (needles, I-V lines, bottles that store medicine given by needles, etc.) on the wards and NOT mix garbage and other materials.
Another undeserved blessing coming to us! Bibba God Bibba! Now all we need to do is maintaining it with great, skillfull maintainance. Additionally, we need the “how to” maintainance information to kept in file and descimenated fully to all those whose duty is such…
TO:
Rotary District 2750, the donor clubs, Truk Transportation Company and JICA for their assistance and concern for the people of Chuuk and for taking action to help. Thank you so much for your love & generous support to our people & small country.
May our HEAVENLY FATHER continue to bless us all always.
Inca