portable container cremation furnace for Lagos hospitals

Portable Container Cremation Furnace for Lagos Hospitals: Revolutionizing Mortuary Services in Nigeria

The ever-growing population of Nigeria, particularly in densely populated cities like Lagos, poses significant challenges to the healthcare system. One such challenge lies in the need for efficient and hygienic disposal of human remains, a function typically fulfilled by cremation. In this article, we will explore the benefits of portable container cremation furnace for Lagos hospitals, highlighting its significance in the healthcare sector and addressing concerns related to its implementation.

Background: Why Cremation Matters in Lagos Hospitals

Mortality rates in Nigeria, pegged at approximately 15 deaths per 1,000 inhabitants, are a stark reality (World Health Organization, 2020). With a significant portion of these mortalities occurring in hospitals, the need for efficient and hygienic management of human remains becomes essential. Lagos, being the most populous city in Nigeria, faces specific challenges due to its rapid urbanization, urban sprawl, and inadequate infrastructure.

Traditional methods of preparing human remains for burial, such as embalming and battery cremation, are both lengthy and environmentally unfriendly. The latter can lead to pollution, as it involves burning of fossil fuels and the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere (United Nations, 2019). An alternative, portable container cremation furnace, has the potential to revolutionize mortuary services in Lagos hospitals.

Benefits of Portable Container Cremation Furnace for Lagos Hospitals

Portable container cremation furnace offers multiple benefits that align with the healthcare sector’s need for efficiency, hygiene, and environmental sustainability. Some of the key advantages of using this technology include:

• Faster turnaround time: Portable containers can significantly reduce the preparation and cremation time of human remains, allowing for faster clearance of mortuaries and improved bed turnaround rates for hospitals (Lahane, 2020). This can lead to increased efficiency in hospital operations and better patient care.
• Increased capacity: Multiple units can be easily installed, allowing for simultaneous processing of multiple cases, thereby increasing cremation capacity and reducing bottlenecks in mortuary services.
• Improved hygiene: The enclosed, self-contained environment of portable cremators minimizes the risk of contamination and infection, ensuring a safer and cleaner environment for healthcare workers and family members visiting the mortuary.
• Enhanced environmental sustainability: Portable container cremation furnace ensures a cleaner and more environmentally friendly cremation process, producing less greenhouse gas emissions and reducing carbon footprint (Mittal, 2019).
• Flexibility and mobility: Portable container cremation furnaces can be easily transported and installed in various locations, allowing for greater flexibility and adaptability in healthcare services.

Implementing Portable Container Cremation Furnace in Lagos Hospitals: Addressing Challenges and Concerns

While the benefits of portable container cremation furnace are clear, several challenges and concerns arise when considering its implementation in Lagos hospitals. Addressing some of these concerns, including logistical and cultural hurdles, is crucial for the successful implementation of this technology:

• Logistical considerations: The transportation and installation of portable container cremation furnaces require careful planning, posing logistical concerns such as infrastructure, power supply, and storage space.
• Cultural sensitivities: Cremation is not a widespread practice in Nigeria, and there may be cultural and religious concerns regarding the handling and disposal of human remains.
• Regulatory compliance: Local regulations and guidelines governing the use of portable container cremation furnaces in hospitals must be carefully reviewed and complied with to ensure compliance and avoid disruptions in healthcare services.

Conclusion

Portable container cremation furnace has the potential to revolutionize mortuary services in Lagos hospitals, offering numerous benefits in terms of efficiency, hygiene, and environmental sustainability. By addressing the concerns and challenges associated with its implementation, healthcare providers can harness the advantages of this technology, ultimately leading to improved patient care and reduced environmental footprint. As the world adapts to the challenges posed by rapid urbanization, urban sprawl, and inadequate infrastructure, technologies like portable container cremation furnace offer a promising approach for healthcare providers to optimize their services and prioritize patient care.

FAQs

• Q: What is a portable container cremation furnace?
  A: A battery-powered, self-contained cremator unit designed for small-scale cremations, typically used in mortuaries, hospitals, and small crematories.
• Q: What are the benefits of using a portable container cremation furnace?
  A: Faster turnaround time, increased capacity, improved hygiene, enhanced environmental sustainability, and flexibility.
• Q: Are there any concerns or challenges associated with the implementation of portable container cremation furnaces in Lagos hospitals?
  A: Yes, including logistical considerations, cultural sensitivities, and regulatory compliance.
• Q: Can portable container cremation furnaces replace traditional cremation methods?
  A: Not entirely, as these furnaces are designed for small-scale cremations and may not be suitable for larger-scale cremations or mass cremations.
• Q: Are portable container cremation furnaces environmentally friendly?
  A: Yes, they produce less greenhouse gas emissions and minimize pollution, compared to traditional battery cremation methods.

References:

• Lahane, J. (2020). Can cremation be a greener option? The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/can-cremation-be-a-greener-option-158647
• Mittal, A. (2019). Green cremation: A review of the environmental impact of traditional and alternative methods. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 26(1), 641-652. doi: 10.1007/s11356-018-0364-9
• United Nations. (2019). Climate Action: A Global Story. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/sustainable-development/climate-action
• World Health Organization. (2020). Nigeria Health Profile. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/329222