PUBLISHED : 24 Jul 2023 at 04:30
Khon Kaen: A government-run hospital in the province has been ordered to shut its infectious waste disposal facility following complaints from residents of a nearby dormitory.
Residents of Kradangnga dormitory said they have been bothered by the foul smell coming from Khon Kaen Hospital’s newly-built infectious waste disposal facility, saying the odour has affected business in the area. They also fear the waste contained at the site isn’t being properly processed before disposal.
Thirasak Thikayuphan, mayor of Nakhon Khon Kaen municipality, said authorities have inspected the facility and found it was built in line with the required standards.
However, he said, authorities have decided to suspend the operation due to the odour complaints. The problem, he said, continues to persist despite repeated attempts to address it.
The Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Health have also been asked to recommend ways to tackle the foul smell.
Khon Kaen Hospital said the facility uses steam to disinfect waste, in line with standards employed by hospitals across the country.
The hospital will install more carbon filters around the facility in an effort to address the problem.
Pornprapa Kensaenkhot, a tenant at the dormitory, said the smell is a public health hazard. She said she has been forced to put a face mask on in her own home.
“The red trash bins contain chemical and infected waste that could be harmful to health. I’m worried they may have long-term health effects,” Ms Pornprapa said.