The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), in collaboration with the Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA), has organised a one-day seminar for public healthcare facilities in the state, to equip them with essential knowledge in the healthcare waste management sector.

The seminar, tagged “Health Care Waste Management in Lagos Health Facilities”, was held at Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Alausa, Ikeja.

Commenting on the significance of the seminar, the Managing Director/ CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, emphasized that the seminar became imperative in order to orientate health facilities on the expected standards of operation, contributing to a safer and hygienic health care system in the state.

He said: “ This seminar is extremely important and I am glad to have you all here today. For us at LAWMA, healthcare waste management sector is one of the most critical aspects of waste management, especially in a fast-growing city like Lagos. That is why we have left no stone unturned in ensuring proper practices is carried out in various health facilities in the state “

Gbadegesin said the participants were key frontliners in healthcare waste management and must keep updating their knowledge, noting that proper handling, segregation, and disposal of medical waste would help maintain a healthy system and prevent epidemics like Covid-19.

He, however, raised concern over ongoing poor practices, including commingling of waste and poor management at some facilities, stressing the need for urgent action, adding that they represent the Authority at their posts and urged them to learn, unlearn, and relearn, expressing hope that the session would be beneficial.

Also speaking, the General Manager of LASIAMA, Mrs. Adenike Adekanbi, represented by the Head of Facility Mr. Kunle Adesanya, commended the agencies for working assiduously towards the attainment of a sustainable health care waste management system, adding that the training would equip the participants with the critical knowledge and information needed to carry out their job role in their respective facilities

“Today’s seminar is basically to reawaken our consciousness on the standards of operation as health care waste management is concerned, re-equip our knowledge and re-energize our commitment towards achieving an effective system in our various health facilities. I want to implore you to listen attentively and work on your grey areas”, she said.

Making a presentation on Healthcare Waste Management Process, LAWMA’s Head of Healthcare Waste, Mrs. Mojisola Adeleye, noted that a single mistake in the process of handling healthcare waste could lead to life threatening diseases or death. She therefore Implored the participants and healthcare facilities to be mindful of the risk factors in the process of managing healthcare waste as well as the domestic waste generated at facilities to ensure adequate protection was attained.

Other facilitators spoke on: Pre-Test on Health Care Waste Management Process, Overview of General Waste Management, Health and Safety Tips, Overview of Healthcare Facilities in Lagos, Post Test Questions and Answers Session.

Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary, Health Service Commission, Dr. Benjamin Eniayewun, represented by Assistant Director Medical Services, Dr. Opeyemi Giwa, the Executive Director of LAWMA, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, the Medical Director of Medtrack Limited, Mr. Tayo Bright, among others.