Medical Waste Management and Mercury Devices in Health Sector Assessment and its Alternatives in Bali, Indonesia

As a way of promoting the safe handling of medical waste and mercury-containing equipment, BaliFokus began by assessing the handling of mercury-containing devices and general medical waste management systems in local hospitals. After administering surveys and examining hospital waste management policies, organizers educated hospital staff about the dangers of medical waste incineration and existing alternatives to mercury-containing equipment. Results of the assessment were delivered to the hospital administrators and the Ministry of Health along with action plan suggestions and guidelines for the proper and safe management of medical waste. 7 hospitals have now agreed to become pilot project participants for a program of medical waste management improvement and mercury device phase-out.