Wastewater management in healthcare

My 2nd year with Health Care Without Harm-Asia on its 10th year celebration.

There are 10 goals to achieve and hopefully more hospitals will be involved in the Global Green Healthy Hospital (GGHH) network. The Network sets out to support existing efforts around the world to promote greater sustainability and environmental health in the healthcare sector, and thereby to strengthen health systems globally.

One of GGHH goal is on Water. We know that water is crucial for all aspects of life but only 1% of all freshwater on Earth is available for human use. Wastewater management is essential for a most effective and sustainable future.

The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands, and has the longest total coastline in the world. Given this, many Filipinos rely on the ocean as a source of food. Eating seafood from, and actually consuming, contaminated water puts the person in grave risk.

This put emphasis on the need to protect the Philippine waters from contaminants. Small bodies of water such as rivers, streams, and waterfalls are also used for drinking, washing, and cooking. People relying on these may be harmed by the toxins present in the water.

Concern over the world's water supply is likewise increasing. Industrialization and urban development is often seen as a marker of progress, but these developments may also compromise the cleanliness and safety of water supplies. This concern is as relevant as ever, as freshwater demand for industrial applications will increase to 120 billion cubic meters by 2025. (Babu, 2008). An increase in industrialization brings an increased need for better waste management.

The Philippines had made several positive steps to protecting our waters. The Philippine Clean Water Act (2004) requires facilities to obtain a wastewater discharge permit.

Hospitals are also bound to this law. One hospital that sets a positive example is the Philippine Heart Center (PHC). Considered one of the top facilities for cardiovascular treatment, the hospital implements stringent waste water processing.

PHC has noted an increase in water consumption in line with the increase in patients. To process the wastewater produced, the hospital has introduced a Sewerage Treatment Plan (STP). The STP has its own staff to monitor smooth operations around the clock. The facilities also undergo a monthly examination of its water output by independent laboratories.

The STP project cost PHC a big sum of Php10.5 million (approx US$260,000). Although the return of investment (ROI) is not yet significant, PHC expects it in the coming years of operation.

The recycled water is being used to water ornamental plants in the hospital grounds and gardens, and for toilet flushing. As of now they are saving quite a lot in the water consumption because the areas for the ornamental plants and gardens are quite considerable.

The work in waste water treatment takes up time, knowledge, experience, lots of passion, and commitment. As Engr. Barzaga, engineer IV of PHC’s Mechanical Department shares, “For proper wastewater treatment facility to work properly, adequate manpower plus an experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate team should be working on the facility fulltime. As hospital people, it is not only their responsibility to comply with laws but also to make sure to keep the environment healthy for the surrounding communities.”

Setting-up wastewater treatment facilities is a huge investment, but it is the surest way to sustainability of water management and secure our water resources.

A healthier future needs urgent global action for smart investment to improve wastewater management. Wise investments will generate greater return.