DNA raises alarm over bioharzardous waste at landfill

Wed, Aug 17th 2016, 12:04 PM

Leader of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Branville McCartney said the biohazardous waste found at the New Providence Landfill that originated from Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) raises concerns about the level of oversight at that institution.

"Not only have Bahamians been put at physical risk because of the improper disposal of such waste, but the private medical information of Bahamians has ended up in the hands of non-medical professionals," he said.

McCartney said that tests must be conducted at the landfill to ensure that the biohazardous material has not impacted the soil or water table in the area. He added that immediate steps must be taken to finally correct the problems at the site.

Last Friday, the Public Hospitals Authority confirmed that the biohazardous waste originated from PMH. Under PMH regulations, biohazardous waste, such as blood, blood products, body parts and other matter, is supposed to be placed in red bags marked biohazardous and placed in a red bin.

Minister of Health Dr. Perry Gomez said it was "despicable" that patients' tests results from the Hematology Department of PMH were found at the landfill. He said he does not think something like this would happen again.

"It sounds like there was a mix-up. That's what it sounds like, to be truthful," Gomez said.

However, McCartney questioned the minister's response to the matter.

"Unfortunately, history has proven that this administration cannot be trusted to act in the best interest of Bahamian lives and as a result, the minister's satisfaction is simply not enough," he said.

"In the interest of accountability, the Democratic National Alliance calls for the PHA and the Ministry of Health to detail [their] plan of action and report to the public on when each step is taken to ensure that these plans do not also fall victim to the lack of follow through which this government has become known for," he said.

According to a press statement, the DNA has created an effective plan for a waste-to-energy facility that would address concerns at the landfill and act as an alternative energy source to power thousands of Bahamian homes and businesses; and through a public/private sector partnership model, ensure Bahamian ownership in the project as well.

"We cannot and must not allow such 'mix-ups' to endanger the lives of our people or hinder our progress," the statement added.

Xian Smith, Guardian Business Reporter

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