The NAST Newsletter, June 2003

Hospital Wastes Get Attention
by Mr. Toti P. Carandang

The mountains of garbage generated in the country everyday may have become a natural sight. Others might have accepted that the situation, being an almost normal fixture, is as natural as the other tourist attractions that the government promotes. Thus, they have become tired of complaining.

However, not many of us know that there are other forms of solid wastes that pose grave threats not only to human health but also to the now fragile environment. And these are hospital wastes. But have we given serious thought of where and how the hospital wastes are disposed of?

Records show that the country’s hospitals generate about 6,750 tons per year of hazardous and infectious wastes. Of these, 47% come from the National Capital Region while Region IV contributes 12%. What is alarming is the fact that only about 25% of the total registered hazardous waste is recycled.

At the moment, the Environmental Management Bureau’s database shows that there are currently 43 operational hospital incinerators in the country; 22 are in Metro Manila. And based on a survey conducted in 2001, 50% of the medical wastes generated is incinerated, while the rest is disposed of improperly.

One method of disposal of hospital wastes is by incineration; but only 50% is incinerated. And soon hospitals using incinerators will be facing a much bigger problem because incinerators will only be allowed to operate until July 17 2003 as mandated by the Clean Air Act of 2000.

Addressing the Problem
The National Academy of Science and Technology, the country’s highest advisory and recognition body on S&T matters, together with National Scientist Paulo C. Campos of the Medical Center Manila, gathered together all the major stakeholders at The Pearl Manila Hotel during the onset of typhoon Chedeng. Dubbed “Roundtable Discussion on Solid Waste Management: Focus on Hospital Wastes”, the RTD clarified and rationalized the new regulations on hospital waste disposal and at the same time disseminated information on the issues surrounding solid waste management.

Science Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro who joined the discussion mentioned the worsening waste disposal situation in the country. Sec. Alabastro cited efforts of the DOST agencies by drafting policies towards proper and sustainable waste management – starting in their backyard. Administrators of different hospitals traded their experiences and problems with the officials of the Department of Health and the Environmental Management Bureau of the DENR. Cong. Edgar Erice, author of House Bill 3828 that will allow the use of incinerators in burning municipal biomedical and hazardous wastes, was not able to arrive as he was stranded in Pampanga because of Chedeng. Various issues arose during the deliberation.