For Immediate Release, May 28, 2009
Contacts:
Sonia G. Astudillo, HCWH-Southeast Asia, +63-918-918-2369
Josh Karliner, HCWH, +1-415-752-1658
Health Sector Can Help Lead the Fight Against Climate Change
Geneva-Washington DC—The health-sector can play a leadership role in reducing the magnitude and consequences of global warming by reducing its climate footprint. These efforts, some of which are already underway, can greatly reduce the serious health threats posed by global warming and set an example for other sectors. That is the message of a discussion paper just issued by the World Health Organization and Health Care Without Harm.
“By reducing its climate footprint and moving toward carbon neutrality, the health sector can demonstrate the path forward in this age of global warming, thereby playing a leadership role in advocating for a healthy and sustainable future” commented Maria Neira, Director of WHO’s Department of Public Health and Environment.
Just released at the World Health Assembly, a gathering of Ministers of Health from every nation, the discussion paper presents examples from around the world of hospitals taking measures to reduce their climate footprint while improving public health. It outlines seven steps health care systems can take to move toward climate friendly health care. And it identifies a series of opportunities for action at the global, national and local levels.
“This paper begins to define a framework for analyzing and addressing the health sector’s climate footprint” said Josh Karliner, International Coordinator for Health Care Without Harm, one of the report’s authors. “HCWH and our NGO partners will be using it as the basis for discussion and consultation with health care professionals, hospitals and health systems around the world in order to build a global network that can advocate for climate friendly health care.”
The discussion paper argues that many of the steps hospitals and health systems can take to reduce their impact on the world’s climate can also save money and improve the health of the population and the quality of care they deliver. It also points out that “urgent action from all sectors of society is necessary to mitigate the impacts of climate change.”
“With the world’s governments set to establish a new agreement for addressing climate change in Copenhagen this December, it is essential that Southeast Asia’s health sector speak out and advocate for our government to take a strong position that addresses the most serious environmental health issues that the world faces today” said Merci Ferrer, Executive Director of HCWH-Southeast Asia.
The paper is available for download at www.noharm.org
HCWH is an international coalition of more than 470 organizations in 52 countries, working to transform the health care sector worldwide, without compromising patient safety or care, so that it is ecologically sustainable and no longer a source of harm to public health and the environment. For more information on HCWH, see www.noharm.org or visit our YouTube channel, HCWHSEA.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
GEN SAN CITY, CENTRAL MINDANAO CHAMPION MERCURY AND WASTE ISSUES IN HOSPITALS
May 13, 2009
GEN SAN CITY, CENTRAL MINDANAO CHAMPION MERCURY AND WASTE ISSUES IN HOSPITALS
True to its tradition of producing champions, General Santos City and the rest of the Central Mindanao Region is producing yet another champion, this time champion hospitals—the greenest of the greens in hospitals.
In a symposium on environmental health with focus on mercury elimination and health care waste management, more than 80 representatives from hospitals, local government, Department of Health (DoH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) participated to work out an action plan for the greening of the hospitals.
“This only shows that GenSan City, Manny Pacquiao and the Central Mindanao will do more than a 2-round knockout for Ricky Hatton, we will even knock-out mercury devices in hospitals and do a thorough cleaning of our hospitals,” said Merci Ferrer, Executive Director of Health Care Without Harm-Southeast Asia.
In December 2008, HCWH and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed a global initiative to substitute mercury-based medical devices with safer, accurate and affordable alternatives by 2017. Earlier in August, the Philippine DoH signed Administrative Order 21 mandating the gradual phase-out of all mercury containing devices in all Philippine hospitals by 2010.
“We are already on the lead. And Central Mindanao being home to one of the world’s boxing champ may also be home to champion hospitals,” Ferrer added.
The General Santos Doctors’ Hospital (GSDH) for one is an example of hospital who have already phased-out mercury thermometers and on the way to phasing-out sphygmomanometers.
According to Sr. Estelle Marie Camagan, Administrator of GSDH, “ever since we heard of the danger of mercury in hospitals, we did not have to think twice. The wisdom of mercury phase-out is too important to sacrifice.”
“By removing mercury in hospitals, we are not just protecting our patients and employees. We are also contributing to a healthier and cleaner environment.”
Dr. Daniel Yap, GSDH Medical Director, added that the shift to mercury alternatives may look impractical on the onset. “But once you take into consideration the danger of one thermometer breakage—clean-up costs and the risk to the patients, hospital employees and the community—moving away from mercury is our best option.”
“And with the alternatives locally available, it is doable and economically-feasible,” Yap added.
Mercury is fatal when inhaled and harmful if absorbed through the skin. High doses of vapors released by thermometer breakage may cause lung damage. While at lower doses it is harmful to the kidney and the nervous, digestive, respiratory and immune systems.
As early as 1991, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that a safe level of mercury exposure, below which there is no adverse effects, has never been established. In a policy paper they issued, it presented 3-pronged short, medium and long-term measures that include (a) development and implementation of plans to reduce the use of mercury equipment and replace it with alternatives, (b) increase efforts to reduce the risk of unnecessary mercury equipment in hospitals and (c) a ban of mercury-containing devices and promotion of alternatives.
The remaining question now is on the intermediate storage of phased-out mercury devices. Based on AO 21, hospitals must provide the temporary storage. “Since the AO, we have been receiving request and queries on intermediate storage. And with this, we urge the DENR to provide the storage,” said Faye Ferrer, HCWH-SEA Program Officer for Mercury.”
“We are also urging all concerned parties—hospitals, LGUs, DoH—to work hand-in-had with the DENR,” she added. “We need all stakeholders to champion this cause or to knock it out.”
At the symposium, GSDH is also cited for its hospital waste management practices which involves vermi composting of biodegradable medical wastes. GSDH is recipient of several awards like the 2003 Healthy Hospital Award and the Quality Medical Care Service Award in 2005. It is also recognized as a partner in Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Award in 2004.
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 Officer for Mercury, +63 920 9327151; faye@hcwh.org
GEN SAN CITY, CENTRAL MINDANAO CHAMPION MERCURY AND WASTE ISSUES IN HOSPITALS
True to its tradition of producing champions, General Santos City and the rest of the Central Mindanao Region is producing yet another champion, this time champion hospitals—the greenest of the greens in hospitals.
In a symposium on environmental health with focus on mercury elimination and health care waste management, more than 80 representatives from hospitals, local government, Department of Health (DoH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) participated to work out an action plan for the greening of the hospitals.
“This only shows that GenSan City, Manny Pacquiao and the Central Mindanao will do more than a 2-round knockout for Ricky Hatton, we will even knock-out mercury devices in hospitals and do a thorough cleaning of our hospitals,” said Merci Ferrer, Executive Director of Health Care Without Harm-Southeast Asia.
In December 2008, HCWH and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed a global initiative to substitute mercury-based medical devices with safer, accurate and affordable alternatives by 2017. Earlier in August, the Philippine DoH signed Administrative Order 21 mandating the gradual phase-out of all mercury containing devices in all Philippine hospitals by 2010.
“We are already on the lead. And Central Mindanao being home to one of the world’s boxing champ may also be home to champion hospitals,” Ferrer added.
The General Santos Doctors’ Hospital (GSDH) for one is an example of hospital who have already phased-out mercury thermometers and on the way to phasing-out sphygmomanometers.
According to Sr. Estelle Marie Camagan, Administrator of GSDH, “ever since we heard of the danger of mercury in hospitals, we did not have to think twice. The wisdom of mercury phase-out is too important to sacrifice.”
“By removing mercury in hospitals, we are not just protecting our patients and employees. We are also contributing to a healthier and cleaner environment.”
Dr. Daniel Yap, GSDH Medical Director, added that the shift to mercury alternatives may look impractical on the onset. “But once you take into consideration the danger of one thermometer breakage—clean-up costs and the risk to the patients, hospital employees and the community—moving away from mercury is our best option.”
“And with the alternatives locally available, it is doable and economically-feasible,” Yap added.
Mercury is fatal when inhaled and harmful if absorbed through the skin. High doses of vapors released by thermometer breakage may cause lung damage. While at lower doses it is harmful to the kidney and the nervous, digestive, respiratory and immune systems.
As early as 1991, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that a safe level of mercury exposure, below which there is no adverse effects, has never been established. In a policy paper they issued, it presented 3-pronged short, medium and long-term measures that include (a) development and implementation of plans to reduce the use of mercury equipment and replace it with alternatives, (b) increase efforts to reduce the risk of unnecessary mercury equipment in hospitals and (c) a ban of mercury-containing devices and promotion of alternatives.
The remaining question now is on the intermediate storage of phased-out mercury devices. Based on AO 21, hospitals must provide the temporary storage. “Since the AO, we have been receiving request and queries on intermediate storage. And with this, we urge the DENR to provide the storage,” said Faye Ferrer, HCWH-SEA Program Officer for Mercury.”
“We are also urging all concerned parties—hospitals, LGUs, DoH—to work hand-in-had with the DENR,” she added. “We need all stakeholders to champion this cause or to knock it out.”
At the symposium, GSDH is also cited for its hospital waste management practices which involves vermi composting of biodegradable medical wastes. GSDH is recipient of several awards like the 2003 Healthy Hospital Award and the Quality Medical Care Service Award in 2005. It is also recognized as a partner in Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Award in 2004.
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 Officer for Mercury, +63 920 9327151; faye@hcwh.org
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
GEN SAN CITY, CENTRAL MINDANAO CHAMPION MERCURY AND WASTE ISSUES IN HOSPITALS
May 13, 2009
GEN SAN CITY, CENTRAL MINDANAO CHAMPION MERCURY AND WASTE ISSUES IN HOSPITALS
True to its tradition of producing champions, General Santos City and the rest of the Central Mindanao Region is producing yet another champion, this time champion hospitals—the greenest of the greens in hospitals.
In a symposium on environmental health with focus on mercury elimination and health care waste management, more than 80 representatives from hospitals, local government, Department of Health (DoH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) participated to work out an action plan for the greening of the hospitals.
“This only shows that GenSan City, Manny Pacquiao and the Central Mindanao will do more than a 2-round knockout for Ricky Hatton, we will even knock-out mercury devices in hospitals and do a thorough cleaning of our hospitals,” said Merci Ferrer, Executive Director of Health Care Without Harm-Southeast Asia.
In December 2008, HCWH and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed a global initiative to substitute mercury-based medical devices with safer, accurate and affordable alternatives by 2017. Earlier in August, the Philippine DoH signed Administrative Order 21 mandating the gradual phase-out of all mercury containing devices in all Philippine hospitals by 2010.
“We are already on the lead. And Central Mindanao being home to one of the world’s boxing champ may also be home to champion hospitals,” Ferrer added.
The General Santos Doctors’ Hospital (GSDH) for one is an example of hospital who have already phased-out mercury thermometers and on the way to phasing-out sphygmomanometers.
According to Sr. Estelle Marie Camagan, Administrator of GSDH, “ever since we heard of the danger of mercury in hospitals, we did not have to think twice. The wisdom of mercury phase-out is too important to sacrifice.”
“By removing mercury in hospitals, we are not just protecting our patients and employees. We are also contributing to a healthier and cleaner environment.”
Dr. Daniel Yap, GSDH Medical Director, added that the shift to mercury alternatives may look impractical on the onset. “But once you take into consideration the danger of one thermometer breakage—clean-up costs and the risk to the patients, hospital employees and the community—moving away from mercury is our best option.”
“And with the alternatives locally available, it is doable and economically-feasible,” Yap added.
Mercury is fatal when inhaled and harmful if absorbed through the skin. High doses of vapors released by thermometer breakage may cause lung damage. While at lower doses it is harmful to the kidney and the nervous, digestive, respiratory and immune systems.
As early as 1991, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that a safe level of mercury exposure, below which there is no adverse effects, has never been established. In a policy paper they issued, it presented 3-pronged short, medium and long-term measures that include (a) development and implementation of plans to reduce the use of mercury equipment and replace it with alternatives, (b) increase efforts to reduce the risk of unnecessary mercury equipment in hospitals and (c) a ban of mercury-containing devices and promotion of alternatives.
The remaining question now is on the intermediate storage of phased-out mercury devices. Based on AO 21, hospitals must provide the temporary storage. “Since the AO, we have been receiving request and queries on intermediate storage. And with this, we urge the DENR to provide the storage,” said Faye Ferrer, HCWH-SEA Program Officer for Mercury.”
“We are also urging all concerned parties—hospitals, LGUs, DoH—to work hand-in-had with the DENR,” she added. “We need all stakeholders to champion this cause or to knock it out.”
At the symposium, GSDH is also cited for its hospital waste management practices which involves vermi composting of biodegradable medical wastes. GSDH is recipient of several awards like the 2003 Healthy Hospital Award and the Quality Medical Care Service Award in 2005. It is also recognized as a partner in Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Award in 2004.
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 Officer for Mercury, +63 920 9327151; faye@hcwh.org
GEN SAN CITY, CENTRAL MINDANAO CHAMPION MERCURY AND WASTE ISSUES IN HOSPITALS
True to its tradition of producing champions, General Santos City and the rest of the Central Mindanao Region is producing yet another champion, this time champion hospitals—the greenest of the greens in hospitals.
In a symposium on environmental health with focus on mercury elimination and health care waste management, more than 80 representatives from hospitals, local government, Department of Health (DoH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) participated to work out an action plan for the greening of the hospitals.
“This only shows that GenSan City, Manny Pacquiao and the Central Mindanao will do more than a 2-round knockout for Ricky Hatton, we will even knock-out mercury devices in hospitals and do a thorough cleaning of our hospitals,” said Merci Ferrer, Executive Director of Health Care Without Harm-Southeast Asia.
In December 2008, HCWH and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed a global initiative to substitute mercury-based medical devices with safer, accurate and affordable alternatives by 2017. Earlier in August, the Philippine DoH signed Administrative Order 21 mandating the gradual phase-out of all mercury containing devices in all Philippine hospitals by 2010.
“We are already on the lead. And Central Mindanao being home to one of the world’s boxing champ may also be home to champion hospitals,” Ferrer added.
The General Santos Doctors’ Hospital (GSDH) for one is an example of hospital who have already phased-out mercury thermometers and on the way to phasing-out sphygmomanometers.
According to Sr. Estelle Marie Camagan, Administrator of GSDH, “ever since we heard of the danger of mercury in hospitals, we did not have to think twice. The wisdom of mercury phase-out is too important to sacrifice.”
“By removing mercury in hospitals, we are not just protecting our patients and employees. We are also contributing to a healthier and cleaner environment.”
Dr. Daniel Yap, GSDH Medical Director, added that the shift to mercury alternatives may look impractical on the onset. “But once you take into consideration the danger of one thermometer breakage—clean-up costs and the risk to the patients, hospital employees and the community—moving away from mercury is our best option.”
“And with the alternatives locally available, it is doable and economically-feasible,” Yap added.
Mercury is fatal when inhaled and harmful if absorbed through the skin. High doses of vapors released by thermometer breakage may cause lung damage. While at lower doses it is harmful to the kidney and the nervous, digestive, respiratory and immune systems.
As early as 1991, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that a safe level of mercury exposure, below which there is no adverse effects, has never been established. In a policy paper they issued, it presented 3-pronged short, medium and long-term measures that include (a) development and implementation of plans to reduce the use of mercury equipment and replace it with alternatives, (b) increase efforts to reduce the risk of unnecessary mercury equipment in hospitals and (c) a ban of mercury-containing devices and promotion of alternatives.
The remaining question now is on the intermediate storage of phased-out mercury devices. Based on AO 21, hospitals must provide the temporary storage. “Since the AO, we have been receiving request and queries on intermediate storage. And with this, we urge the DENR to provide the storage,” said Faye Ferrer, HCWH-SEA Program Officer for Mercury.”
“We are also urging all concerned parties—hospitals, LGUs, DoH—to work hand-in-had with the DENR,” she added. “We need all stakeholders to champion this cause or to knock it out.”
At the symposium, GSDH is also cited for its hospital waste management practices which involves vermi composting of biodegradable medical wastes. GSDH is recipient of several awards like the 2003 Healthy Hospital Award and the Quality Medical Care Service Award in 2005. It is also recognized as a partner in Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Award in 2004.
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 Officer for Mercury, +63 920 9327151; faye@hcwh.org
Monday, May 11, 2009
HEALTH CARE WITHOUT HARM AND NURSES ALL OVER THE WORLD PARTNER FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CARE
May 11, 2009
HEALTH CARE WITHOUT HARM AND NURSES ALL OVER THE WORLD PARTNER FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CARE
In celebration of the International Nurses Day, Health Care Without Harm and nurses all over the world partner to create a cleaner, healthier and more environment-friendly health care system.
In the Philippines, HCWH-Southeast Asia and the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) signed a memorandum of understanding detailing the work to phase-out mercury in the health care setting.
According to Merci Ferrer, Executive Director of HCWH-SEA, “for so many years in the history of HCWH, the nurses have always been in the forefront of environmental health campaigns. Nurses are first to demand for occupational safety practices in the hospitals and also the first to ask that mercury devices be phased-out.”
“We are glad that in the Philippines, it is not just individual nurses who are taking the lead for change but the nurses as a collective, as an organization,” she added.
As part of the MOU, PNA will join the Mercury Free Health Care Global Partnership led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and HCWH. This partnership aims to substitute mercury-based medical devices with safer, accurate and affordable by 2017.
“The mercury phase-out is no issue,” said PNA President Tita Barcelo. “We have Administrative Order 21 which mandates the phasing-out of all mercury-containing devices in all hospitals by 2010 here in the Philippines. The PNA definitely support a global phase-out. This is for the welfare of the patients who visit the hospitals and the nurses and other health workers who spend 40 hours a week on duty.”
PNA’s support to global mercury phase-out does not stop with the MOU. They likewise aim for a virtual elimination of mercury-based thermometers and sphygmomanometers over the next decade, substituting these items with accurate, economically viable alternatives and enjoining all PNA members, chapters and affiliates in the country to help promote the advocacy to eliminate mercury in health care. PNA is also supporting the call for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to provide an intermediate storage area for phased-out mercury devices from hospitals.
“As for all items that are to be phased-out, there must be a corresponding storage area. Thus, we are urging the DENR to be dutiful enough and provide a temporary storage,” Barcelo added.
HCWH-SEA, on the other hand will organize mercury-free health care information and education programs to be disseminated to PNA regional offices; national and local activities for nurses on the promotion of mercury-free health care devices; and promote through its website and the national media the various activities done by the PNA and the partnership.
“This is what partnership entails. Each has its own duty. You excel in the work assigned to you. You share resources. And when it’s harvest time, all the members reap the benefits,” said Ferrer.
“In this case, it is not just the Philippine nurses and hospitals who will benefit but nurses, health care workers and practically every human all over the world.
PNA has a membership of over 105,000.
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)
For other HCWH-nurses partnership projects, visit
http://noharm.org/globalsoutheng/pressroom/latestNews.cfm
Contact
Sonia G. Astudillo, Communications Officer, +63 918 9182369, sonia@hcwh.org
Faye Ferrer, Program Coordinator for Mercury, +63 920 9327151, faye@hcwh.org
HEALTH CARE WITHOUT HARM AND NURSES ALL OVER THE WORLD PARTNER FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CARE
In celebration of the International Nurses Day, Health Care Without Harm and nurses all over the world partner to create a cleaner, healthier and more environment-friendly health care system.
In the Philippines, HCWH-Southeast Asia and the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) signed a memorandum of understanding detailing the work to phase-out mercury in the health care setting.
According to Merci Ferrer, Executive Director of HCWH-SEA, “for so many years in the history of HCWH, the nurses have always been in the forefront of environmental health campaigns. Nurses are first to demand for occupational safety practices in the hospitals and also the first to ask that mercury devices be phased-out.”
“We are glad that in the Philippines, it is not just individual nurses who are taking the lead for change but the nurses as a collective, as an organization,” she added.
As part of the MOU, PNA will join the Mercury Free Health Care Global Partnership led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and HCWH. This partnership aims to substitute mercury-based medical devices with safer, accurate and affordable by 2017.
“The mercury phase-out is no issue,” said PNA President Tita Barcelo. “We have Administrative Order 21 which mandates the phasing-out of all mercury-containing devices in all hospitals by 2010 here in the Philippines. The PNA definitely support a global phase-out. This is for the welfare of the patients who visit the hospitals and the nurses and other health workers who spend 40 hours a week on duty.”
PNA’s support to global mercury phase-out does not stop with the MOU. They likewise aim for a virtual elimination of mercury-based thermometers and sphygmomanometers over the next decade, substituting these items with accurate, economically viable alternatives and enjoining all PNA members, chapters and affiliates in the country to help promote the advocacy to eliminate mercury in health care. PNA is also supporting the call for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to provide an intermediate storage area for phased-out mercury devices from hospitals.
“As for all items that are to be phased-out, there must be a corresponding storage area. Thus, we are urging the DENR to be dutiful enough and provide a temporary storage,” Barcelo added.
HCWH-SEA, on the other hand will organize mercury-free health care information and education programs to be disseminated to PNA regional offices; national and local activities for nurses on the promotion of mercury-free health care devices; and promote through its website and the national media the various activities done by the PNA and the partnership.
“This is what partnership entails. Each has its own duty. You excel in the work assigned to you. You share resources. And when it’s harvest time, all the members reap the benefits,” said Ferrer.
“In this case, it is not just the Philippine nurses and hospitals who will benefit but nurses, health care workers and practically every human all over the world.
PNA has a membership of over 105,000.
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)
For other HCWH-nurses partnership projects, visit
http://noharm.org/globalsoutheng/pressroom/latestNews.cfm
Contact
Sonia G. Astudillo, Communications Officer, +63 918 9182369, sonia@hcwh.org
Faye Ferrer, Program Coordinator for Mercury, +63 920 9327151, faye@hcwh.org
Thursday, May 7, 2009
INTERNATIONAL ENVI-HEALTH GROUP TO DBM: 100M AUTOCLAVE BUDGET CRUCIAL TO POSSIBLE H1N1 OUTBREAK
May 7, 2009
INTERNATIONAL ENVI-HEALTH GROUP TO DBM: 100M AUTOCLAVE BUDGET CRUCIAL TO POSSIBLE H1N1 OUTBREAK
Health Care Without Harm-Southeast Asia (HCWH-SEA) today called on Budget and Management Secretary Rolando Andaya, Jr. to facilitate the immediate release of the 100 million allocation for a medical waste treatment autoclaves for the hospitals run by the Department of Health (DoH) saying the unreleased budget is an “Achilles’ heel in the country’s strategy against Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak”.
The P100 million in the budget of DoH for the purchase of autoclaves for medical waste treatment in DoH-controlled hospitals falls under the 2008 General Appropriations Act (Republic Act 9498).
“We are deeply concerned that the second quarter of 2009 is almost over and yet the fund has still to be released by the Department of Budget and Management,” said Merci Ferrer, Executive Director of HCWH-SEA.
In a letter sent to Andaya, the group raised concerns that despite having done many precautionary steps in the prevention of a possible outbreak in the country, management of infectious waste remains a largely unaddressed aspect especially when it comes to hospitals in the provinces.
“How,” the letter asks, “do we dispose of the potentially infectious waste that is generated by the hospitals’ health care activities, waste that in the event of a flu outbreak could be contaminated by the virus?”
They added that in the absence of the autoclave which will be used in disinfecting waste discarded by hospitals, “people can potentially be exposed to pathogens like H1N1 and get infected. Especially since a large part of the country’s medical waste ends up in dumpsites that remain open to scavengers, despite laws and regulations to the contrary,” Ferrer said.
In a letter sent to a newspaper by DBM Undersecretary Mario L. Relampagos, he assured the public that “the funds for the procurement of autoclaves will be immediately released as soon as the department receives the go-signal from the Office of the President.”
Relampagos added that the procurement of autoclaves, a Congressional initiative incorporated in the 2008 budget of the DoH, has to undergo the usual standard operating procedures—request for release from the proponent legislator, endorsements from the Speaker of the House and chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, and approval of the Office of the President—before it can be released.
He added that the department prepared the appropriate referral upon receiving the request this March to the DoH for endorsement to the president.
Ferrer responded however, saying that, “we understand that the release of the budget would have to undergo the necessary procedures. But we also know that a most expeditious way to secure the president’s approval may be done, especially in the midst of an imminent pandemic that could cost many lives.”
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)
Sonia G. Astudillo, Communications Officer, +63 918 9182369, sonia@hcwh.org
Ronnel Lim, Program Officer for Anti-Incineration, ronnel@gmail.com
INTERNATIONAL ENVI-HEALTH GROUP TO DBM: 100M AUTOCLAVE BUDGET CRUCIAL TO POSSIBLE H1N1 OUTBREAK
Health Care Without Harm-Southeast Asia (HCWH-SEA) today called on Budget and Management Secretary Rolando Andaya, Jr. to facilitate the immediate release of the 100 million allocation for a medical waste treatment autoclaves for the hospitals run by the Department of Health (DoH) saying the unreleased budget is an “Achilles’ heel in the country’s strategy against Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak”.
The P100 million in the budget of DoH for the purchase of autoclaves for medical waste treatment in DoH-controlled hospitals falls under the 2008 General Appropriations Act (Republic Act 9498).
“We are deeply concerned that the second quarter of 2009 is almost over and yet the fund has still to be released by the Department of Budget and Management,” said Merci Ferrer, Executive Director of HCWH-SEA.
In a letter sent to Andaya, the group raised concerns that despite having done many precautionary steps in the prevention of a possible outbreak in the country, management of infectious waste remains a largely unaddressed aspect especially when it comes to hospitals in the provinces.
“How,” the letter asks, “do we dispose of the potentially infectious waste that is generated by the hospitals’ health care activities, waste that in the event of a flu outbreak could be contaminated by the virus?”
They added that in the absence of the autoclave which will be used in disinfecting waste discarded by hospitals, “people can potentially be exposed to pathogens like H1N1 and get infected. Especially since a large part of the country’s medical waste ends up in dumpsites that remain open to scavengers, despite laws and regulations to the contrary,” Ferrer said.
In a letter sent to a newspaper by DBM Undersecretary Mario L. Relampagos, he assured the public that “the funds for the procurement of autoclaves will be immediately released as soon as the department receives the go-signal from the Office of the President.”
Relampagos added that the procurement of autoclaves, a Congressional initiative incorporated in the 2008 budget of the DoH, has to undergo the usual standard operating procedures—request for release from the proponent legislator, endorsements from the Speaker of the House and chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, and approval of the Office of the President—before it can be released.
He added that the department prepared the appropriate referral upon receiving the request this March to the DoH for endorsement to the president.
Ferrer responded however, saying that, “we understand that the release of the budget would have to undergo the necessary procedures. But we also know that a most expeditious way to secure the president’s approval may be done, especially in the midst of an imminent pandemic that could cost many lives.”
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)
Sonia G. Astudillo, Communications Officer, +63 918 9182369, sonia@hcwh.org
Ronnel Lim, Program Officer for Anti-Incineration, ronnel@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
ENVI-HEALTH GROUP CALLS FOR SAFE WORKING CONDITIONS FOR HEALTH WORKERS
May 6, 2009
ENVI-HEALTH GROUP CALLS FOR SAFE WORKING CONDITIONS FOR HEALTH WORKERS
Following a call in the Senate to pass the bill, An act declaring May 7 of every year as Health Workers’ Day, Health Care Without Harm-Southeast Asia (HCWH-SEA) calls on all concerned agencies especially the Department of Health (DoH) to likewise mark this day as the Occupational Safety Day for all health workers.
“We urge the DoH and the proponents of the bill to add an occupational safety facet to the May 7 bill,” said Merci Ferrer, Executive Director of HCWH-SEA.
In 1997, then President Corazon Aquino declared May 7 as the Health Workers Day under Proclamation No. 96. “However, the said date merely passes by with no due recognition to the health workers.” There is no mention of Health Workers’ Day in the DoH 2009 Annual Calendar.
“We believe that the best gift we may give to people who have constantly provided us with health care is health. Contrary to belief that hospital is one of the safest places to maintain or tune-up one’s healthy lifestyle, the working condition within a hospital is not always the safest for its workers,” Ferrer pointed out.
Among the “unhealthy side” of working in hospitals is exposure to mercury. “Some thermometer breakage goes unreported and mercury sometimes ends up in the trash bins exposing everyone in the hospitals,” Ferrer said.
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin, fatal when inhaled and harmful if absorbed through the skin. High doses of vapors released by thermometer breakage may cause lung damage. While at lower doses it is harmful to the kidney and the nervous, digestive, respiratory and immune systems.
Another danger is exposure to cleaning products and disinfectants.
In a recent study at the University of North Carolina in the US, it was found that asthma was significantly greater among nursing professionals involved in medical instrument cleaning and exposed to general cleaning products and disinfectants.
According to the study, cleaning instruments was associated with a 67% increased chance of having asthma and nurses who were exposed to general cleaning products were 72% more likely to have asthma.
Further, the study showed that using powdered latex glove and administering medicine in aerosol form increases risk of asthma. It added that nurses who were exposed to adhesives and solvents in the care of patients, which can involve using glue instead of stitches in wounds, were 50% more likely to report symptoms of asthma.
The study was based on a sample of 3650 healthcare workers sample with 941 nurses.
“Cases like this are calling us to give importance not just to the patients’ safety but to the health workers working condition,” she added.
“In celebration of Health Workers’ Day, we urge that our health workers be provided a safe working environment, proper training and education on the health hazards within a hospital, protection to major toxic chemicals and smart (and green) choices on the products used within the facility.”
Researchers of the US study advised substituting cleaning agents with environmentally friendly green chemicals. Other health groups advised reduction in exposure to potential asthma risks—use of solid or liquid cleaning products instead of spray and simply opening window to let natural air in.
“There is no more apt time to focus on the safety of our health workers.”
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
Merci Ferrer, Executive Director, + 63 920 9056113, merci@hcwh.org
ENVI-HEALTH GROUP CALLS FOR SAFE WORKING CONDITIONS FOR HEALTH WORKERS
Following a call in the Senate to pass the bill, An act declaring May 7 of every year as Health Workers’ Day, Health Care Without Harm-Southeast Asia (HCWH-SEA) calls on all concerned agencies especially the Department of Health (DoH) to likewise mark this day as the Occupational Safety Day for all health workers.
“We urge the DoH and the proponents of the bill to add an occupational safety facet to the May 7 bill,” said Merci Ferrer, Executive Director of HCWH-SEA.
In 1997, then President Corazon Aquino declared May 7 as the Health Workers Day under Proclamation No. 96. “However, the said date merely passes by with no due recognition to the health workers.” There is no mention of Health Workers’ Day in the DoH 2009 Annual Calendar.
“We believe that the best gift we may give to people who have constantly provided us with health care is health. Contrary to belief that hospital is one of the safest places to maintain or tune-up one’s healthy lifestyle, the working condition within a hospital is not always the safest for its workers,” Ferrer pointed out.
Among the “unhealthy side” of working in hospitals is exposure to mercury. “Some thermometer breakage goes unreported and mercury sometimes ends up in the trash bins exposing everyone in the hospitals,” Ferrer said.
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin, fatal when inhaled and harmful if absorbed through the skin. High doses of vapors released by thermometer breakage may cause lung damage. While at lower doses it is harmful to the kidney and the nervous, digestive, respiratory and immune systems.
Another danger is exposure to cleaning products and disinfectants.
In a recent study at the University of North Carolina in the US, it was found that asthma was significantly greater among nursing professionals involved in medical instrument cleaning and exposed to general cleaning products and disinfectants.
According to the study, cleaning instruments was associated with a 67% increased chance of having asthma and nurses who were exposed to general cleaning products were 72% more likely to have asthma.
Further, the study showed that using powdered latex glove and administering medicine in aerosol form increases risk of asthma. It added that nurses who were exposed to adhesives and solvents in the care of patients, which can involve using glue instead of stitches in wounds, were 50% more likely to report symptoms of asthma.
The study was based on a sample of 3650 healthcare workers sample with 941 nurses.
“Cases like this are calling us to give importance not just to the patients’ safety but to the health workers working condition,” she added.
“In celebration of Health Workers’ Day, we urge that our health workers be provided a safe working environment, proper training and education on the health hazards within a hospital, protection to major toxic chemicals and smart (and green) choices on the products used within the facility.”
Researchers of the US study advised substituting cleaning agents with environmentally friendly green chemicals. Other health groups advised reduction in exposure to potential asthma risks—use of solid or liquid cleaning products instead of spray and simply opening window to let natural air in.
“There is no more apt time to focus on the safety of our health workers.”
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
Merci Ferrer, Executive Director, + 63 920 9056113, merci@hcwh.org
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