IATF assures disposal of healthcare waste properly handled

April 13, 2020

The Inter-Agency Task Force Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases assured on Monday that tons of healthcare waste are properly disposed.

In a virtual press briefing, IATF Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the proper disposal of the waste has been an emerging concern in the wake of the coronavirus disease pandemic.

"For the information of the public, there is an existing protocol under the infection control of healthcare facilities regarding how to handle healthcare waste. As a protocol, all healthcare waste is pre-treated with chemical disinfectant such as hypochlorite solution, furthermore private hospitals in Metro Manila and in urban centers are served by private waste treaters and disposal system service providers," he said.

Nograles said the Department of Health has disseminated the information particularly to field personnel regarding the need to pre-treat wastes like used personal protective equipment for COVID-19 patients and other suspected cases.

The Health department would soon issue guidelines on the use of hypochlorite solution for the infection prevention for COVID-19, he said.

"That being said, we urge our LGUs (local government units) to continuously intensify their campaigns on proper waste management and segregation as they are responsible for solid waste management in their respective jurisdiction," Nograles said. Celerina Monte/DMS