Lawmakers instructed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to lay down clear guidelines or rules on the proper disposal of medical waste brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sen. Francis Tolentino was concerned about the medical waste that he said is not correctly disposed of by some local government units that conduct vaccination against COVID-19.
Tolentino added that it is estimated that more than 200 million vials, syringes, and needles used in the vaccination will be accumulated in the ongoing vaccination against COVID-19.
According to the DENR, the agency has already issued guidelines in this regard.
“We have already guidelines with DILG that they have to place proper management coming from the vaccines,” said DENR Usec. William Cuñado.
But according to lawmakers, it seems that medical waste disposal in the country is not appropriately followed because there are piles of garbage in other LGUs, just like in some parts of Cavite.
DENR Usec first said. Benny Antiporda that the agency is also studying the treatment of medical waste in LGUs.
DENR tasked to release guidelines on medical waste
At the suggestion of Senator Cynthia Villar, the DENR will also study whether the barangays can be left to have their treatment facilities for medical waste instead of hauling it to the garbage collectors.
He said the medical waste collected is usually mixed with other waste.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Thursday warned of “super spreader events” that could increase the number of COVID-19 cases in the coming months.
The secretary issued the warning now that many people are flooding some public places, such as the “dolomite beach” on Manila Baywalk.
“These are super spreader events. This is potential for a possible surge in the future,” said Duque.