Proposed medical waste processing project underway

THE City Council committee on health and sanitation chaired by Councilor Dante Pajo and Committee on environment and natural resources chaired by Councilor President Elipe jointly discussed with the management of different hospitals and health establishments on Friday the proposal of Basura Atbp. Inc and the Philippine Abatement Systems Specialist Inc. (Passi), for the establishment of a centralized medical waste processing facility within the city’s landfill area at Upper Dagong, Carmen at no cost to the City Government.

Earlier, Mayor Vicente Emano endorsed this to the City Council headed by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian Acenas for the enactment of an appropriate ordinance.

According to the Basura Atbp., having a centralized facility is beneficial for the city as it will allow all healthcare establishments to comply with the proper management of infectious medical wastes.

Healthcare establishments will be provided with medical waste containers and transported in a refrigerated van to ensure its safe and proper transportation.

On the other hand, PASSI is proposing to construct and install a Septic and Medical Waste Treatment Plant and a 10-percent sharing scheme of their net income.

Passi will also supply the technology, equipment, chemicals and install/construct a septic and hazardous waste treatment facility at the area.

The proposal states the amount per kilo of waste including the transportation in hospitals, clinics, funeral parlors and other related establishments in the city.

The committees referred this to the CLENRO for comment in terms of waste disposal and to the City Legal Office for its legal opinion in preparation for the enactment of the necessary legislation for the purpose.

The meeting was attended by representatives of concerned City Hall offices, Madonna and Child Hospital, Maternity Children’s Hospital, Polymedic General Hospital, Northern Mindanao Medical Center, Nephrology Center, Dialysis centers and the proponents of the project. (PR)