Spare us the ordeal of clinical waste
There were reports that clinical waste from other countries are directed towards Sri Lankan beaches. These clinical waste were found in Puttalam, Vadamarachchi, Thondaimanaru and other parts of the Jaffna District.
Maritime Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) is taking action to have discussions with relevant High Commissions at a diplomatic level to urge the relevant countries to prevent clinical waste being dumped in the ocean.
It was reported that some of the above waste consisted of cosmetic bottles, food wrappers, multivitamin bottles and plastic bottles manufactured in Sri Lanka. They are taking action to incinerate these waste items.
Clinical waste is any waste which consists wholly or partly of human or animal tissue, blood or other body fluids, excretions, drugs or other pharmaceutical products, swabs or dressings, syringes, needles or other sharp instruments, being waste which unless rendered may prove hazardous to any person coming into contact with it.
Professionals are specially trained and equipped for regular collection and handling of clinical waste.
Autoclave systems are installed in hospitals for the disposal of clinical waste. Autoclave can sterilize solids, liquids, hollows and instruments of various shapes and sizes. A very basic autoclave is similar to a pressure cooker.
Due to the potential risks associated with the improper handling of clinical waste, its proper management and disposal is vital.
It is very important for all of us to be aware of the dangers of clinical waste and how to manage it in a safe way.
Neelamani Jayasinghe, Lichanan Abeysekera and Ranjula Perera
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