Walhi: Rumah Sakit dan Dinas Lingkungan Hidup Harus Bertanggung Jawab atas Kasus Limbah Medis

Summary

WALHI Lampung has raised alarm over the improper disposal of medical waste mixed with household trash at the Bakung landfill in Bandarlampung. The environmental group warns of serious health risks to workers and the community due to hazardous materials, including used medical equipment, found at the site. They urge local authorities and Polda Lampung to investigate and hold those responsible, including Urip Sumoharjo Hospital, which is suspected to be involved. WALHI calls for immediate action to prevent further environmental and public health dangers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Environmental organization WALHI Lampung raised concerns over the discovery of medical waste mixed with household trash at the Bakung TPA in Bandar Lampung.
• 😀 The Bandar Lampung City Government, particularly the Environmental Agency, is urged to evaluate the situation of medical waste mishandling at the Bakung TPA.
• 😀 Medical waste, which should be managed separately, was improperly disposed of at the Bakung TPA, posing a health hazard to workers at the site.
• 😀 WALHI suspects that the medical waste discovered may belong to Urip Sumoharjo Hospital, emphasizing the need for the hospital to take responsibility.
• 😀 There is a strong call for accountability from all parties involved, stating that collaboration alone does not absolve responsibility for improper waste disposal.
• 😀 Trucks carrying the medical waste were reportedly sourced from hospitals or health facilities, specifically implicating Urip Sumoharjo Hospital.
• 😀 Police in Lampung previously released evidence of the medical waste found at Bakung TPA, including used infusion bottles, medication bottles, used PPE, and yellow plastic bags marked with 'infectious' labels.
• 😀 The presence of these items indicates the waste is classified as hazardous and toxic (B3), posing significant environmental and health risks.
• 😀 WALHI praised the Lampung police for their quick response and handling of the case but urged them to escalate the investigation to a full criminal inquiry.
• 😀 The situation highlights the urgent need for stricter regulation and oversight in the disposal of medical waste to prevent environmental and health dangers.

Q & A

What is the issue highlighted by WALHI regarding the TPA Bakung in Bandar Lampung?

WALHI is raising concerns about the discovery of medical waste mixed with household waste at the TPA Bakung landfill in Bandar Lampung. The waste, including hazardous materials like used medical supplies, poses a threat to public health and the safety of workers at the landfill.

Why does WALHI believe the Bandar Lampung city government should take action?

WALHI believes the Bandar Lampung city government, particularly the environmental office, should evaluate the situation and address the improper disposal of medical waste. They emphasize that medical waste should be managed separately from household waste and disposed of safely.

What specific hazardous materials were found among the medical waste at the TPA Bakung?

The medical waste found at TPA Bakung included used infusions, medicine bottles, infusion tubes, used personal protective equipment (PPE), and yellow plastic bags marked with 'infectious' – indicating that the waste is classified as hazardous and toxic (B3).

What role does WALHI expect from the hospital involved in the disposal of the medical waste?

WALHI expects the hospital, specifically the Urip Sumoharjo Hospital, to take responsibility for the improper disposal of medical waste. They argue that the hospital cannot deflect responsibility and must be accountable for ensuring proper waste management.

How does WALHI suggest that the hospital should collaborate in the disposal process?

WALHI suggests that the hospital should take direct responsibility for the disposal of medical waste, ensuring that it is not only collected by authorized vehicles but also handled and disposed of in accordance with environmental safety regulations.

What actions have been taken by the police regarding the medical waste discovery?

The Lampung Police have already released evidence of the medical waste found at the TPA Bakung. They have identified several items, such as used infusion bottles, medical waste bags, and PPE, that were improperly disposed of.

What is the potential health impact of the improper disposal of medical waste at the landfill?

The improper disposal of medical waste at the landfill poses a significant health risk to workers at the site and to the surrounding community. The waste contains hazardous substances that could lead to infections or other health issues if not handled and disposed of properly.

What has WALHI requested from the police in relation to the case?

WALHI has asked the police to escalate the case to the investigation stage. They want the authorities to hold the responsible parties accountable for the improper disposal of hazardous medical waste.

How does WALHI view the cooperation between the hospital and waste disposal entities?

WALHI acknowledges that the hospital may have some cooperation with third-party waste disposal entities. However, they argue that the hospital still holds responsibility for ensuring proper disposal and cannot merely rely on others to handle it correctly.

What role does the Lampung Police play in the case according to the script?

The Lampung Police have been proactive in the case by investigating the discovery of the medical waste at TPA Bakung. They have identified and documented the hazardous materials, which could lead to further legal action against those responsible for the improper disposal.