MONROVIA – The John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFKMC) has rejected allegations that it engages in the open burning of infectious medical waste, describing the claims as inaccurate and reaffirming its commitment to environmentally safe and legally compliant healthcare waste management.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the country’s national referral hospital said its waste management systems operate under national environmental and public health regulations and are subject to oversight by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), and other relevant regulatory bodies.
According to the Medical Center, it operates two separate waste treatment systems designed for different categories of healthcare waste.
JFKMC explained that its manual incinerator is used only for approved non-infectious waste through a controlled combustion process. While limited visible emissions may occasionally occur during operation, the hospital said the facility was constructed following technical guidance and inspections by the EPA and NPHIL, including the installation of a high chimney to disperse emissions in accordance with environmental standards.
The hospital further noted that its mechanical incinerator is dedicated exclusively to infectious healthcare waste, including sharps and other regulated medical waste. It said the electrically powered system operates under controlled conditions to minimize environmental impact while supporting infection prevention and control.
“JFK Medical Center emphasizes that it does not engage in the open burning of infectious or hazardous healthcare waste,” the statement said, adding that the institution remains committed to environmentally sound waste management practices consistent with national regulations and internationally accepted standards.
The Medical Center also expressed concern that recent reports regarding its waste management operations were published without giving the institution an opportunity to provide clarification or present information about its procedures.
According to the hospital, direct engagement and verification are essential to ensuring accurate public understanding and balanced reporting.
As Liberia’s national referral and teaching hospital, JFKMC said it remains committed to transparency, accountability, and maintaining the trust of the public. The institution encouraged residents with concerns about its operations to engage directly with hospital management so issues can be reviewed and addressed collaboratively.
The hospital also highlighted its ongoing community outreach efforts, including medical outreach programs, eye care initiatives, health education campaigns, and other public health interventions aimed at improving healthcare delivery across Liberia.
JFKMC reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with regulatory agencies, community stakeholders, and the media, while urging journalists to seek verification and comment from relevant authorities before publishing reports in keeping with the principles of fair and responsible
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