St Francis Hospital Nsambya has commenced construction of a dedicated waste management unit aimed at strengthening the safe and responsible handling of healthcare waste while creating 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 the hospital, 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 its growing patient population. The investment in effective waste management is therefore an important step towards ensuring that quality healthcare is complemented by the safe and responsible handling of waste generated at the facility.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Byekwaso said the initiative underscores the importance of creating healthcare environments that protect patients, health workers and surrounding communities.
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"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 highlights the growing importance of responsible healthcare waste management in protecting public health and the environment. Proper management of medical waste is an essential component of a well-functioning healthcare facility, ensuring that waste generated during medical services is segregated, handled and disposed of safely.
Dr Andrew Muyingo Ssekitooleko, Chief Executive Officer of St Francis Hospital Nsambya, said the facility would improve the hospital's capacity to manage healthcare waste.
"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," Ssekitooleko said.
For Centenary Bank, the support builds on its longstanding partnership with Rotary and St Francis Hospital Nsambya. Through the partnership, the bank has previously supported the Rotary Cancer Run and the establishment of the Rotary-Centenary Bank Cancer Centre at Nsambya Hospital.
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The latest contribution extends the partnership into healthcare waste management, an area that directly contributes to public health, safety and environmental sustainability.
Centenary Bank said health and community wellbeing remain key areas of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda. The bank annually allocates 1.5% of its previous year's profits to CSR initiatives focused on healthcare, education, environmental stewardship, community development and the Social Mission of the Church.
As part of this commitment, the bank contributed Shs20 million towards the waste management project.
Byekwaso commended the management and staff of St Francis Hospital Nsambya for prioritising 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 healthier communities ultimately contribute to a stronger society.
Centenary Bank said it will continue to support partnerships and initiatives aimed at creating meaningful and sustainable impact in the communities it serves.
