New medical waste incinerators at Lautoka Hospital to strengthen healthcare and environmental safety
Aspen Medical has commissioned two new i8-M250 medical waste incinerators at Lautoka Hospital, marking a significant investment in safe, efficient and environmentally responsible healthcare waste management for Fiji's Western Division.
The medical waste incinerators feature advanced automated operating systems, remote-access functionality and Venturi scrubber technology that significantly reduces emissions, ensuring environmentally responsible disposal of clinical and medical waste while supporting uninterrupted hospital operations.
While officiating at the event, Acting Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, Dr Luisa Cikamatana welcomed the investment and said the new incinerators stand as a symbol of progress, not only in infrastructure, but the shared commitment to building a stronger, safer and more resilient health system for Fiji.
"These state-of-the-art medical waste treatment units replace infrastructure that had served faithfully for many years but had reached the end of its operational life," she said.
Dr Cikamatana said healthcare workers dedicate themselves to saving lives and deserve systems that protect them as diligently as they protect others.
"Government cannot do it alone, private partners cannot do it alone, and healthcare workers cannot do it alone. Success comes when we work together, guided by a shared vision of delivering safe, quality and equitable healthcare for every Fijian.”
Aspen Medical's CEO in Fiji, Gavin Whiteside, said the new incinerators represent far more than an infrastructure upgrade.
"This investment represents far more than new equipment. It reflects our commitment to protecting patients, healthcare workers, communities and the environment through world-class waste management practices," he said.
Mr Whiteside said the new facilities would not only serve Lautoka Hospital but would also provide medical waste disposal services for the majority of the Western Division, creating a centralised and highly effective solution for healthcare waste management.
“Safe disposal of medical waste is a critical component of quality healthcare. These new facilities strengthen our infection prevention and control measures while ensuring healthcare waste is managed safely, responsibly and sustainably for the benefit of thousands of Fijians."
Health Care (Fiji) Pte Ltd, trading as Aspen Medical, is a Public-Private Partnership company formed between the Fiji National Provident Fund and Aspen Medical Pty Ltd to manage the Lautoka Hospital and Ba Hospital under a contract with the Government of Fiji.
ENDS