Ministry to probe Aerodrome syringe incident

Baboki Kayawe | Friday September 8, 2017 17:10

 

The ministry said it has always been concerned with reckless and indiscriminate clinical waste disposal regardless of where it is produced. Spokesperson in the ministry, Wada Motsamai advised that the pupils be taken to the nearest health facility for assessment and care.  “Moreover the ministry shall investigate further into the issue,” she added.   

She said they are worried by recklessness in disposing these kinds of waste because clinical waste can negatively affect public health, both directly and indirectly.

“The Ministry of Health and Wellness has a defined procedure on the management of clinical waste including that generated from home based care. Indiscriminate disposal of such waste is an offence punishable by law as stipulated in the Public Health Act and the Waste Management Act,” she said.

Motsamai said the proper disposal of clinical waste is through incineration. Additionally, she said the law calls for the safe and responsible disposal of clinical waste for the protection of public health, prevention of pollution and conservation of natural resources.

 The regulatory authority for waste management is the Department of Waste Management and Pollution at the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism. The same department enforces the law through councils.