Probe on improper disposal of medical wastes underway

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Health Department is conducting an investigation into the alleged improper disposal of medical wastes traced to one of the city’s vaccination centers.

Dr. Jeffrey Ibones, officer-in-charge of Cebu City Health Department and head of Cebu City Vaccine Operations Center, said an investigation is underway to determine why used COVID-19 vaccine syringes from Don Bosco vaccination site were disposed of without observing the protocols.

"Amo panang gitan-aw unsay nahitabo ana niya kay isolated case rana siya, murag dili man gyud ang tanan gyud no, tingali’g naa lay nasagol [o] unsay nahitabo ana, kay naa man gud na siyay sudlanan," Ibobes said.

Ramil Ayuman, officer-in-charge of Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, posted on Facebook images of medical wastes mixed in ordinary biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes.

Ibones explained that vaccination centers have protocols to observe in the disposal of wastes, especially those considered as biohazards.

"Naa may tigkuha ana ang DPS (Department of Public Services), unya sa PASSI (Pollution Abatement Systems Specialists Incorporated), mao nay atong protocol kay naa man gyud tay mga assignment ana kinsay mga na assign," Ibones said.

Meanwhile, environment and cause oriented groups back Vice Mayor Michael Rama’s call for a comprehensive review of the city’s solid waste management program.

The group led by EcoWaste Coalition and Sanlakas Sugbo along with 15 other individuals trooped to City Hall yesterday to deliver a letter to Mayor Edgardo Labella and Rama.

The groups call for just solution to the plight of sectors affected by the current system. The LGU is also urged to provide livelihood to waste pickers and other poor sectors affected by the strict adherence to Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act.

The group also emphasized the non-burn technologies consistent with the ban on incineration to treat municipal solid, hazardous and infectious wastes as mandated by the Philippine Clean Air Act and RA 9003.

The groups expressed that they couldn't continue this failed approach as it brings bigger financial cost to the city and heavy impact on the environment and public health. — Dianah Rule D. Salinguhay and Sly Anthonette E.Baseo, CNU Interns . FPL (FREEMAN)