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Government Cuts Hospital Costs Through Manufacturing
September 18, 2023
The Ministry of Health is ushering in a game-changing approach to disinfectant production, with the introduction of on-site chlorine solution generators. This innovation aims to address two critical issues: reducing hospital spending on disinfectants and mitigating the burden of hospital-acquired infections.
A recent report from the Health Ministry and the non-governmental organization PATH Uganda has revealed a disconcerting trend. Many healthcare facilities in the country endure a shocking 74 out of 365 days without access to disinfectants. This dire situation severely compromises infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, endangering both patients and healthcare workers. The report attributes these stock-outs to inaccurate forecasting and delays in supply by the National Medical Stores.
A Cost-Effective Solution
Dr. Henry Mwebesa, the Director-General of Health Services, underscores the cost-effectiveness of this new system. It requires only common salt, water, and the equipment itself. Importantly, the system produces chlorine at a consistent concentration of 0.5 percent, eliminating the need for staff to perform dilution manually—a process that has been inconsistent in the past.
The Dangers of Inconsistent Concentration
Inconsistent chlorine concentrations can have dire consequences. Over-concentrated solutions corrode equipment and clothing, while under-concentrated solutions compromise disinfection efficacy.
The device is impressively efficient, generating five liters of disinfectant per hour and operating for at least eight hours a day. This translates to a production capacity of over 40 liters daily. The Ministry is currently exploring whether larger facilities may require multiple devices.
The device produces five litres of the disinfectant per hour and works for at least eight hours a day, which is more than 40 litres of disinfectant a day. Dr Mwebesa said they want to find out whether bigger facilities may require more than one device for each unit.
Successful Implementation
The Ministry, in partnership with PATH Uganda, has already rolled out this technology in ten hospitals. Preliminary reports from these facilities are promising, with the elimination of disinfectant stock-outs being a notable achievement.
Apart from salt, water, and the device, a power source is the only requirement for generating disinfectant. Sodium hypochlorite, the active ingredient, is renowned for its germ-killing properties even at low concentrations, making it an excellent choice for disinfection.
Streamlined Production Process
The production process is straightforward. Salt is dissolved in water, and the device is activated. Water is drawn into the reaction chamber, where it combines with the salt to form a hypochlorite solution (commonly known as JIK). The solution consistently maintains a 0.5 percent concentration, a vital factor in effective disinfection.
Scaling Up for Wider Impact
PATH Uganda plans to donate approximately 50 chlorine solution generators to additional healthcare facilities. While the initial cost is $2,650, bulk purchases can lead to cost reductions.
This innovative approach not only addresses disinfectant shortages but also serves as a model for cost-effective and reliable healthcare solutions.
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