Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The Philippine Healthcare and Mercury Wastes Management Project (HCW Project) officially launched its five-year implementation at a pivotal national workshop, marking the end of its inception phase and the rollout of its comprehensive work plan. Held on January 31, the event brought together over 100 stakeholders, including representatives from major healthcare institutions and national agencies, to discuss the urgent need for improved healthcare waste management in the Philippines.
Partner hospitals at the forefront of the initiative include Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) in the National Capital Region (NCR), Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC) in Region 2, and Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) in Region 8. Treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) facilities like MetroClark, Cleanway, and Envirocare also participated in the discussions, alongside representatives from local government units, the Department of Health (DOH), and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
This initiative, launched in December 2023, is a result of a strong collaboration between the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Philippine government, specifically the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB). Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the HCW Project aims to tackle the critical environmental challenges posed by healthcare waste, focusing on reducing toxic emissions and promoting responsible waste disposal practices.
“The workshop is more than just an informative session. It is a call to action. By joining forces, we can mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with hazardous waste, ensuring a cleaner, safer future for generations to come,” stated Jacqueline A. Caancan, OIC-Assistant Secretary for Environment and Concurrent EMB Director.
The HCW Project is aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Dr. Carmela Centeno, UNIDO’s Head for Responsible Materials and Chemicals Management, emphasized the project’s contribution to global sustainability. “By fostering sustainable waste management practices, we’re not just addressing environmental concerns but also enhancing public health outcomes. This project serves as a model for other countries to follow in promoting both environmental stewardship and industrial development.”
The global healthcare waste crisis is growing, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that approximately 15% of healthcare waste is hazardous. These materials, which include infectious and toxic substances, pose severe environmental risks when improperly disposed of. Open burning and low-temperature incineration of healthcare waste release dangerous pollutants such as dioxins and furans, harming both human health and the environment. The improper disposal of mercury-containing medical devices further exacerbates pollution.
“Over the past five years, hazardous healthcare waste generation has increased by over 20%, and this alarming trend continues post-COVID-19,” said Teddy Monroy, UNIDO Country Representative in the Philippines. Recent data from partner hospitals highlights the scale of the issue, with EVMC reporting 217.775 tons of pathologic waste, QMMC recording 496,505 kg of hazardous waste, and CVMC documenting over 292,000 kg of general waste and additional hazardous materials, including sharps and pharmaceutical waste.
The HCW Project seeks to address these pressing challenges by improving waste segregation and disposal processes, enhancing waste storage infrastructure, and developing more effective treatment technologies. Key interventions include conducting policy gap analyses, raising awareness about proper waste segregation, and building the capacity of healthcare institutions and local government units to handle hazardous waste. The project will also focus on reducing unintentional persistent organic pollutants (uPOPs), such as dioxins and furans, which are released during the improper burning of chlorinated waste materials.
Mercury waste, a significant concern in healthcare facilities, is also being tackled through the project. Since 2022, mercury-containing products such as thermometers and fluorescent lamps have been banned in healthcare settings. However, significant stockpiles of mercury waste remain, requiring proper disposal to prevent contamination.
The project also aims to improve waste inventory systems in hospitals and assess the technologies available at TSD facilities. By identifying gaps and opportunities for technology transfer, the HCW Project will drive green financing solutions to support long-term sustainable waste management practices.
On the eve of the National Workshop, the Project Steering Committee (PSC), composed of representatives from the DOH, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the DBP, officially approved the HCW Project's five-year work plan. The PSC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the project's success and meeting its environmental and public health objectives.
Key topics discussed at the workshop included best practices for managing uPOPs and mercury in healthcare waste, as well as updates on the progress of the project’s inception phase. The collaboration between national agencies, local governments, and healthcare providers is critical for ensuring the long-term success of the HCW Project.
“This project is not just about managing waste; it’s about securing the health of our communities and protecting the environment for future generations. The success of this initiative will set a global standard for responsible healthcare waste management,” said Jam Lorenzo, BAN Toxics Deputy Executive Director and HCW Project Manager.
With the implementation of the five-year work plan underway, the HCW Project is poised to make a lasting impact on both public health and environmental sustainability in the Philippines. By fostering collaboration and innovation, this initiative will help ensure that the Philippines is at the forefront of responsible and sustainable healthcare waste management.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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