Preventing COVID-19 Transmission, Minister Of Transportation Budi Karya Supports Regulating Medical Waste Transportation Systems

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi. (Photo by: Setkab)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Transportation invites all elements, especially the ranks of transportation, to pay special attention and accelerate the handling of medical waste, especially in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi said medical waste management practices must comply with the requirements in order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

Furthermore, Budi said, the hazardous and toxic materials contained in medical waste would have an impact on human health and also the environment if they were not handled properly.

"The Ministry of Transportation supports the management of medical waste that is safe for humans and the environment, by arranging a conducive medical waste transportation system," he said, in a virtual discussion, Friday, November 13.

Not only that, Budi also emphasized the importance of collaboration with all stakeholders in handling medical waste management. Such as with ministries and institutions, private sector, non-governmental organizations, and civil society health services.

"Together, carry out continuous guidance and supervision in accordance with their respective authorities," he said.

Then, said Budi, the provincial and district / city governments must also strive to accelerate the development of medical waste management in their respective regions according to their respective authorities. In this case it ensures fast, close, precise and accurate management of medical waste.

"Because it can protect humans and the environment from the dangers of pollution diseases. Greetings, healthy, healthy Indonesia, let us be grateful," he said.

For your information, according to data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), the COVID-19 pandemic is driving an increase of 30-50 percent of medical waste. As of October 15, 2020, there were 1,662.75 tons of infectious waste from COVID-19.