Monday, March 2, 2009

MERCURY ON ITS WAY OUT IN RP, LATIN AMERICA

March 2, 2009

MERCURY ON ITS WAY OUT IN RP, LATIN AMERICA

Manila - Now on it’s 6th month of implementation, the Philippine mercury phase-out order in hospitals has found partners in Argentina and Uruguay.

In August 11, 2008 the Philippine Department of Health (DoH) signed Administrative Order 2008-21 imposing a gradual phase-out of all mercury-containing devices in all Philippine hospitals by 2010.

“Health Care Without Harm-Southeast Asia is more than elated to hear of the good news in two Latin American countries—Argentina and Uruguay,” said Faye Ferrer, HCWH-SEA Program Officer for Mercury.

“Mercury is a global issue and more than anything, it needs global collaboration for its phase-out to be implemented. This is what is happening here.”

Just last week, Argentinas Ministry of Health issued a resolution ending the purchase of mercury thermometers and sphygmomanometers in all the country’s hospitals and health care centers.

Resolution 139/2009 will also convene a working group of dentistry, medical technology and environmental health specialists to begin a process to gradually phase-out other uses of mercury in the country.

Earlier in February, Uruguay Public Health Ministry has moved to eradicate mercury-based thermometers and replace them with digital alternatives.

The Ministry has tapped the help of Tienda Inglesa Supermarket who donated mercury-free thermometers. All the public health facilities and Tienda Inglesa stores in Uruguay are now accepting old mercury thermometers.

“Indeed Philippines, Argentina and Uruguay have joined the ranks of world leaders in environmental protection,” said Ferrer.

In the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Governing Council meeting late February, 140 countries have agreed to launch a global crackdown against mercury pollution. Preparations for negotiations will start late 2009 with a goal to wrap up by 2013. In the meantime, the ministers agreed to an eight-point interim plan which include among others reducing mercury in products such as thermometers.

Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) is a global coalition of more than 400 organizations in more than 50 countries working to protect health by reducing pollution in health care sector. For more information, visit www.noharm.org. (30)

Contact
Sonia G. Astudillo, Communications Officer, +63 918 9182369, sonia@hcwh.org
Faye Ferrer, Program Coordinator for Mercury, +63 920 9327151, faye@hcwh.org

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