By Guest Writer
St Francis Hospital Nsambya has commenced development of a dedicated waste management unit to strengthen the safe and responsible management of healthcare waste and create a cleaner, safer and healthier environment for patients, healthcare workers and the surrounding community.
The initiative, supported by Centenary Bank was launched with a groundbreaking ceremony at St Francis Hospital Nsambya, bringing together hospital management and staff, Centenary Bank Managing Director Godfrey Byekwaso, bank representatives and other stakeholders.
As a healthcare institution that has served generations of Ugandans, St Francis Hospital Nsambya continues to expand its services to meet the needs of the growing number of patients it serves. The investment in effective waste management is therefore an important step towards ensuring that the quality of healthcare is complemented by safe and responsible handling of waste generated within the facility.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Centenary Bank Managing Director, Godfrey Byekwaso said the initiative reinforces the importance of creating healthcare environments that protect patients, health workers and communities.
“Today, as we launch this waste management system, we amplify the value of creating a safer, cleaner and healthier environment for patients, healthcare workers and the surrounding community,” Byekwaso said.
The initiative also reflects the growing importance of responsible healthcare waste management in protecting public health and the environment. Safe healthcare waste management is an essential component of a well-functioning healthcare facility, ensuring that waste generated by medical services is handled safely and responsibly.
“The facility whose construction we begin today will improve the segregation, handling and safe disposal of healthcare waste. It will protect our patients, staff, surrounding community and environment, while helping the Hospital meet the standards expected of a modern healthcare institution,” Dr. Andrew Muyingo Ssekitooleko, the Chief Executive Officer, St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, said.
For Centenary Bank, the support is built on a longstanding partnership with the Rotary Club and St Francis Hospital Nsambya. Through such partnerships, the Bank has supported the Rotary Cancer Run and the establishment of the Rotary-Centenary Bank Cancer Centre at Nsambya Hospital. The latest contribution extends into another area that directly contributes to health, safety, and environmental sustainability, with health and community well-being remaining important areas of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility agenda.
Centenary Bank annually allocates 1.5% of its previous year’s profits to Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives focused on healthcare, education, environmental stewardship, community development and the Social Mission of the Church. Based on this foundation, the Bank contributed UGX 20 million towards the waste management project as part of its commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance the community.
Byekwaso commended the management and staff of St Francis Hospital Nsambya for prioritizing responsible waste management and continuously seeking ways to improve the environment in which healthcare is delivered.
“We aspire to see this project deliver sustainable impact long after today’s launch. We remain committed to partnerships that go beyond banking and contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of the communities we serve,” he said.
He added that sustainable partnerships between institutions are essential to addressing challenges affecting communities, noting that a healthier community ultimately contributes to a stronger society.
Centenary Bank continues to support partnerships and initiatives that create meaningful and sustainable impact in the communities it serves. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
