Thou shall not burn

Manila — Hospitals around the Philippines are making a firm stand against any planned move from the government and the private sector to bring back incineration.

In 2011, the Philippine Heart Center and San Lazaro Hospital were the first to unfurl a black banner with the statement BURN NOT in their hospital façade. This time, all 12 hospitals owned, co-owned and administered by St. Paul de Chartres (SPC) are joining the action. The 12 hospitals are located in the 3 main islands in the Philippines.

Since the total ban on medical waste incineration in 2003 as mandated by the Philippine Clean Air Act, hospitals have resorted to alternative and more sustainable means of managing and disposing their medical wastes. Thru recycling programs, one SPC hospital in Cavite earned P40,000 (approx. US$940) while the hospital in Tuguegarao continues to earn P3,500 to 5,000 (approx. US$ 82 to 117) per month.

When it comes to treating infectious waste, among the alternatives treatment technology available, without burning, are autoclave, microwave and dry heat treatment technology.

Solid waste comprises the largest portion of a healthcare facility’s waste (75-80%). Of the remaining hazardous waste, only 15-20% are infectious which are commonly raised as an excuse to burn.

Health Care Without Harm is an international coalition of more than 500 organizations in 53 countries, working to transform the health care sector worldwide, without compromising patient safety or care, so that it is ecologically sustainable and no longer a source of harm to public health and the environment. Visit the HCWH website for more information.