UN-Habitat Hands Over Medical Waste Transportation Truck and Incinerator to the Regional Directorate of Health Services in Nuwara Eliya with Funding from KOICA

Nuwara Eliya, 27 August 2024: UN-Habitat, in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), handed over a state-of-the-art hazardous medical waste transportation truck, fully equipped with cutting-edge facilities to the Regional Directorate of Health Services (RDHS) at the Walapane Hospital in Nuwara-Eliya recently. This initiative, funded by KOICA through the Project Strengthening Socioeconomic Resilience of the Communities Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic, directly addresses the critical need for safe, efficient medical waste management within the district. By ensuring uninterrupted collection, transportation, and incineration of medical waste, it plays a key role in safeguarding public health across the region.

This joint initiative by UN-Habitat, KOICA and the RDHS of Nuwara Eliya marks a significant milestone in strengthening medical waste management across the Nuwara Eliya district. A newly acquired medical waste truck and incinerator will serve at least 13 peripheral hospitals and meet the needs of approximately 595,994 residents, ensuring a safer and more reliable system for handling hazardous waste.

The hazardous medical waste transportation truck was officially handed over by Mr. Marc-André Franche, UN Resident Coordinator at a simple ceremony held on 27 August 2024, at Walapane Hospital, Nuwara Eliya to Mr. G.K.G.A.R.P.K. Nandana, District Secretary of Nuwara Eliya; and Dr. W.M.N.K.L. Wijesooriya, Deputy RDHS of Nuwara Eliya. Other senior officials present at the event included Ms. Harshini Halangode, Country Programme Manager of UN-Habitat Sri Lanka, Dr. Kamil Prabashwara Mallikarathne, Medical Officer Planning, RDHS Nuwara Eliya as well as UN-Habitat field staff, healthcare professionals, and other distinguished guests.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Marc-André Franche, UN Resident Coordinator, reflected on the broader significance of the project Strengthening Socioeconomic Resilience of the Communities Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. “This project exemplifies the power of collective action in times of crisis. By coming together, we are able to address critical challenges and lay the foundation for a brighter future. I extend my deepest gratitude to KOICA for their generous support, which not only benefits the people of Sri Lanka but also fosters global solidarity. I would also like to sincerely thank the RDHS of Nuwara Eliya for their steadfast commitment, ensuring the successful implementation of this project,” he stated.

In his remarks, Dr. Prabashwara highlighted the impact of this initiative on public health and safety, stating, “This project is a lifeline for improving the quality of life in Nuwara Eliya and surrounding areas. The safe and efficient disposal of medical waste is critical to protecting the health of our communities, and this project delivers on that promise.”

Dr. Wijesooriya, Deputy RDHS of Nuwara Eliya, emphasised the importance of this initiative for the region. “It is with great pleasure that I witness the tangible progress of this project, made possible by KOICA and UN-Habitat in collaboration with the RDHS Nuwara Eliya. The introduction of this advanced waste management infrastructure will serve hospitals across the Dickoya and Rikiligaskada clusters, marking a significant leap forward in healthcare services and environmental safety,” she said.

UN-Habitat, through the KOICA-funded Strengthening Socioeconomic Resilience of the Communities Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic Project, has to-date provided two medical waste transportation trucks and two incinerators for the RDHS offices in Nuwara Eliya and Badulla. This collaborative initiative reflects a shared commitment to enhancing healthcare services and environmental safety for communities in need. The Project is being implemented in the districts of Nuwara Eliya and Badulla by UN-Habitat from 2022 to 2025.