The Vanuatu National Hospital plans to relocate its medical waste incinerator to a new site at Etas following complaints about smoke coming from the hospital.

Acting Medical Superintendent Dr Robert Vocor says a site has been identified, but discussions and arrangements are still underway before the relocation can be finalised.

He says the hospital is working with municipal authorities and development partners, including the Pacific Community (SPC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), to support the relocation.

“We have located a site at Etas, but we still need to finalise the arrangements before we can move the incinerator to the new location.”

How the incinerator works

Dr Vocor says the incinerator was designed to handle hospital waste, including materials contaminated with blood and other medical waste that must be destroyed safely.

He explains that the machine has two burners: a primary burner that starts the burning process and a secondary burner designed to heat and burn the resulting smoke and gases.

According to Dr Vocor, black smoke may be visible briefly when the primary burner starts, but it should disappear as the secondary burner heats up and operates.

Relocation date not confirmed

Dr Vocor says the hospital has not yet confirmed when the incinerator will be moved to Etas, as discussions and final arrangements are still ongoing.