Medical Waste Circulates without Control

Medical waste from healthcare facilities is not managed in a serious and comprehensive manner, resulting in it circulating widely without control despite the dangers it poses to the environment and public health.

KOMPAS/PRADIPTA PANDU MUSTIKA

Piles of medical waste are seen in Panguragan, Cirebon, West Java, on Saturday (23/11/2019). The medical waste is leftovers of a case that has not be resolved by the Environment and Forestry Ministry.

BANDUNG, KOMPAS – In line with Health Ministerial Regulation No. 7/2019, all medical waste is categorized as hazardous to health and the environment. Medical waste management is done safely and in a closed system by waste producers and licensed third parties, as stipulated by regulations. The waste must not leak into the environment.

A Kompas investigation in November and December 2019 found that it was relatively easy to procure medical waste from trash scavengers and at recycling centers. Several types of medical waste, such as used IV bottles, are commonly sought after by plastic recycling businesses. An illegal medical waste processing center in Cirebon, West Java, which was shut down by the police, is still in operation today.