More dangerous medical waste found near Bhisho
More medical waste, including hundreds of used syringes and vials, has been dumped in the Eastern Cape.
The waste was discovered by villagers of Esikrobeni in Bhisho on Wednesday. There were also patient files, personal protective equipment and a sterilisation bag, among other items.
Provincial health department spokesperson Siyanda Manana said the dumping of patient files in Esikrobeni and elsewhere was concerning, as it posed risks such as breaches of data and security and patient confidentiality.
Used syringes can cause hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV infections.
In June, the Dispatch reported on medical waste found in bins in Hamburg.
During the same month, numerous media outlets ran stories of medical waste found dumped by a service provider near Mdantsane.
In August, an eight-year-old boy pricked his finger on a syringe needle while scratching for food at a dumpsite in Bedford.
After the dumping of medical waste near Mdantsane, the national health department issued a public warning regarding negligence in waste management, calling it dangerous for public health ”.
Manana said the department moved swiftly as soon as they received information about the medical waste at Esikrobeni, describing it as sabotage ”.
We have removed the waste and have launched an investigation.
Asked if the department was investigating the hospital closest to the dumpsite, or a service provider, Manana said: Were investigating everyone.”
Manana did not respond to questions about who the service provider is, where or how medical waste is disposed in the province.
There are protocols in terms of waste disposal,” he said.
There are boxes where medical waste is disposed. They are clearly marked. Medical waste is not disposed at municipal dumping sites,” Manana said.