Doctors, health practitioners, and municipal officials gathered in Juba for a one day seminar organized by the Juba City Council in collaboration with Med Waste Solutions to address growing concerns over the improper disposal of hazardous medical waste. During the sessions, participants highlighted serious environmental and health risks linked to poor disposal practices, particularly regarding expired pharmaceuticals, human anatomical waste, and used syringes.
Med Waste Solutions is currently the sole waste management entity contracted by the Juba City Council to collect hazardous waste from registered healthcare centers. In addition to collection, the company is set to conduct specialized training sessions for staff at public and private medical facilities to establish standardized disposal protocols before waste leaves the premises.
Speaking at the seminar, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Waste Management, Stephen Lomude Martin, emphasized that compliance with the new municipal system is non negotiable for all health providers operating within the city.
“This service is not by choice it is mandatory,” Martin stated. “It is our responsibility as Juba City Council to ensure that every health facility receiving these services pays the required fee to maintain operational continuity. Medical waste must be safely cleared from our communities. Please comply through Med Waste Solutions so we can solve this situation together.”
Addressing wider environmental sanitation issues raised by attendees, including illegal sewage dumping, Martin noted that while certain dump sites fall outside municipal jurisdiction, the council is taking direct legislative action within the city limits. He pointed out that local hotels discharging untreated sewage will face stricter regulations and enforcement under updated local laws.
John Gak CEO of Med Waste Solutions, urged all health centers to strictly adhere to standard operating procedures for biohazardous materials. He also advised patients managing care at home to remain vigilant regarding how they throw away used medical supplies.
According to John Gak Med Waste Solutions operates on a service then bill model for both public and private health centers. Facilities with expired medicines or chemical substances are required to register directly with the company to ensure these hazardous items are safely neutralised and destroyed rather than entering public dumping sites.