Disposal Of Medical Waste Carelessly, DLHK Gives Sanki Two Hospitals In Karawang

Field checks regarding the disposal of domestic waste contaminated with medical waste in Karangligar Karawang Village.(ANTARA/HO-Pemkab Karawang)

JAKARTA - Disposal of medical waste carelessly in residential areas raises serious concerns regarding environmental pollution and public health risks.

In Karawang Regency, West Java, the Environment and Hygiene Service (DLHK) has taken firm steps against two private hospitals suspected of mixing domestic waste with hazardous medical waste in Karangligar Village, Telukjambe Barat District.

The head of the Karawang DLHK, Iwan Ridwan, explained that the two hospitals were Bayukarta Hospital and Hermina Hospital. Both were subject to administrative sanctions for not carrying out waste management in accordance with the provisions.

According to Iwan, Bayukarta Hospital is required to separate domestic waste and medical waste from its source to temporary shelters. In addition, the packaging of infectious medical waste must be given a special marker, namely yellow and a symbol of hazardous and toxic material (B3).

"The Bayukarta Hospital is also required to have a cooperation contract related to the management of domestic waste, both with the Karawang DLHK and third parties who have official permits," he said.

Furthermore, this hospital was also ordered to immediately take emergency countermeasures against B3 waste which has polluted the environment around Karangligar Village.

Meanwhile, Hermina Hospital is subject to sanctions in the form of an obligation to improve procedures for managing infectious medical waste and B3 waste. This hospital must also sort waste from sources and ensure cooperation with licensed waste managers.

Both hospitals are required to carry out emergency B3 waste management in affected areas in accordance with applicable regulations to prevent more severe environmental damage.

"The implementation of this administrative sanction is the full responsibility of each hospital," said Iwan.

As for further legal proceedings, including the possibility of criminal sanctions, the police are currently still being handled by the Karawang Police.