Project Name PIIF - WESTERN SAMOA: Medcen Samoa Ltd. (Samoa)

Region Asia

Sector Infrastructure

Project No. 7736 October 8, 1996


1. This project involves the construction of a new 21-bed private multi-speciality hospital in Apia, Western Samoa.

2. This is a category B project according to IFC’s environmental review procedure because specific impacts may result which can be avoided or mitigated by adhering to generally recognized performance standards, guidelines or design criteria. The review of this project consisted of appraising environmental information submitted by the project sponsor, and the review completed by IFC’s Environment Department staff. The following potential environmental, health and safety impacts of the project were analyzed:

· handling and disposal of potentially dangerous medical wastes; and
· fire safety and emergency response.

The sponsor has presented plans to address these issues and demonstrate that the proposed project will comply with applicable governmental and World Bank requirements. The information provided about how these potential impacts are addressed in the development of the project is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.

3. The building has being designed to have four separate wings to minimize potential in-house cross infection. There will be closed rooms for dirty linens within the operating room area and the wards. The wastes will be segregated, there will be color coded receptacles to identify intermediate disposal of the different waste types (i.e., needles, blood contaminated materials, etc.). The medical wastes will be disposed of in an incinerator which has been designed to meet World Bank guidelines and local standards for stack emissions.

4. A full waste management plan will be developed prior to project implementation including waste segregation, exposure during collection and transport and effective cleaning or disposal of storage and transport containers. A member of the hospital staff will be in charge of the waste management. This person will be appropriately trained and accredited on an occupational heath and safety program.

5. The Western Samoa fire department has been and will continue to be involved in all aspects of fire safety for the occupied building. Their involvement includes identification of the appropriate types of fire prevention and fire lighting equipment and the appropriate placement of the same throughout the building. The Fire Safety Officer will be involved in the formulation of the evacuation plan and the training programs for fire safety and evacuation. The evacuation plan will include contingencies for potential disasters such as armed holdups, bomb threats and cyclones.

6. The construction will meet the National Building Code for earthquakes. Fire retardant construction materials will be used to minimize the risk and spread of fire. The single story design allows for quick and easy escape during a fire emergency as well as accessibility for fire fighting. The 100,000 gal underground water tank provides adequate water supply for fire fighting as well as for other uses. Emergency exits, smoke detectors and water sprinklers will be installed at appropriate areas of the building. Fire drills will begin with the selection of a Fire Marshall and fire drills will be part of the training to be given two weeks before the official opening of the facility.

7. Medcen will comply with the governmental standards and World Bank guidelines for process liquid effluents. The liquid effluents will be processed in the facility wastewater treatment plant and discharged into the municipal sewers. The non-hazardous wastes will be collected and disposed by the municipal waste collection system.

8. Oxygen, nitrogen oxide and other gases will be stored in a special area outside of the main facility. The gases will be piped into the facility.

9. Medcen personnel will be appropriate trained and will receive an orientation program upon commencement of operations. This program will include occupational health and safety issues, fire and emergency response, infection control, orientation to their specific jobs and CPR. These program will be conducted in regular basis. Mandatory attendance on an annual basis will be required at fire safety and manual handling training and CPR.

10. Based on its review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that the proposed project is being designed to meet Government of Western Samoa requirements, and World Bank policies, and environmental, health and safety guidelines.

11. IFC will monitor Medcen’s compliance with World Bank policies and guidelines during the life of the project by evaluating environmental performance reports submitted annually to IFC by the sponsor and by conducting periodic site reviews during project supervision.