LGU flagged over delayed hospital waste collection

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) has called out the provincial government of Laguna for the delayed collection of hazardous waste from public hospitals.

In a 2018 annual audit report, the COA said the service provider hired by the provincial government managed to collect hospital waste from one to five times per month only.

The COA said Republic Act (RA) 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 mandates that biodegradable and hazardous wastes should not be stored longer than two days.

It said extended storage could result in microbial growth, putrefaction and odor.

The COA questioned the P3.55-million contract that the provincial government  entered into with the service provider.

It said the contract did not provide a definite schedule and number of waste collection.

State auditors said the contract did not contain provisions that impose fines against the service provider in case of a delay or failure in the delivery of services.

The COA said the absence of such provisions violated RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

In a reply, the provincial government agreed to include in the contract provisions on waste collection schedule and imposition of fines.

Aside from the provincial government, the COA also called out the Laguna Medical Center (LMC) for improper handling and storage of its biohazard wastes.

The COA said ocular inspection conducted by the audit team disclosed several violations on the proper storage of wastes as provided under RA 9003.

State auditors said the hospital does not maintain separate or color-coded containers for the segregation of compostable, non-recyclable, recyclable or special wastes. 

The COA said the containers for infectious waste were not marked with the international infectious substance symbol.

It said some waste receptacles have no covers, making them susceptible to insect infestation.

The COA ordered the provincial government to regularly monitor the LMC and ensure its compliance with the provisions of RA 9003 and the Health Care Waste Management Manual.

The provincial government vowed to strictly implement RA 9003.