DOH warns of sanctions vs facilities not following waste disposal protocols

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday warned sanctions against medical facilities that are not following protocols on proper disposal of healthcare wastes.

The health department issued the statement after a video of used rapid test kits that fell from a dump sack in Sampaloc, Manila Tuesday night made its round in social media.

According to DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, failure to comply with the proper disposal of medical wastes may lead to suspension or even revocation of a healthcare facility’s license.

WATCH: A bicycle with a sidecar accidentally dropped used rapid test kits along in Sampaloc, Manila Tuesday night.

A video courtesy of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno showed the rapid test kits being dropped from sacks carried in the sidecar near Trabajo Market. https://t.co/fdJVQM7tCw pic.twitter.com/8jbQXu4bdJ

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 2, 2020

“There is a sanction for all these healthcare facilities na hindi nila tinatapon ng maayos ang kanilang waste,” Vergeire said in an online media forum.

“Iba ho ang treatment niyan kumpara po sa ordinary waste products natin katulad sa bahay dahil ito po ay maaaring makapanghawa at maaaring mag-cause ng harm sa mga tao,” she added.

The Health official said healthcare wastes should be sealed inside a bag before being disposed in designated areas approved by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

“Hindi po ito dapat kung saan saan lang tinatapon,” Vergeire said.

She then called on healthcare facilities as well as local government units to ensure proper disposal of COVID-19 testing kits and protective personal equipment.

EDV