DOH 7 condemns illegal dumping of medical wastes

THE Department of Health (DOH) 7 has condemned the illegal dumping of hazardous medical waste in Barangay Libjo, Tabogon in northern Cebu, calling the act a grave public health and environmental threat.

The DOH 7, in a statement posted on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, confirmed the waste discovered on the roadside in Libjo came from a private healthcare facility in Bogo City, based on initial findings from a joint investigation by the Tabogon Municipal Health and Sanitary Office and Libjo barangay officials.

The medical wastes, packed in yellow plastic bags, include used syringes, dialysis tubing and blood collection tubes.

It was first reported by local residents on June 24, which prompted local authorities to conduct a probe into the possible source of the hazardous materials.

DOH 7 has supported the investigation and legal measures being undertaken by the concerned local government units.

The agency said they are now working in close coordination with local authorities to ensure that appropriate actions are taken.

“The improper disposal of medical waste is a grave violation of public health standards and endangers both communities and the environment,” a portion of the statement reads.

DOH 7 reminded all health facilities, both public and private, that they are mandated to comply with the agency’s guidelines on proper segregation, handling, treatment and disposal of healthcare wastes.

“We remain committed to strengthening healthcare waste management practices and preventing similar incidents through continuous monitoring, enforcement and collaboration with stakeholders,” DOH 7 said.

The agency urged the public to report any violations related to medical waste disposal to the nearest local health office for immediate action.

In a previous interview with SunStar Cebu, Chemical and Hazardous Waste Section of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 7 engineer Ken Pajayat confirmed that the waste was traced to a diagnostic and dialysis facility in Bogo City, following a site investigation conducted on June 25.

According to Pajayat, the facility failed to provide documentation or permits required for hazardous waste disposal, which prompted EMB 7 to issue a notice of violation.

Pajayat emphasized that under Republic Act 6969, known as the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act, healthcare facilities are required to ensure that hazardous waste is handled and disposed of through Department of Environment and Natural Resources-accredited treatment, storage and disposal facilities. Penalties for improper disposal range from P10,000 to P50,000, depending on the gravity of the violation. / CAV