Gov’t warns against reckless dumping of medical wastes

JUBA – South Sudan government has warned health partners against reckless dumping of  medical wastes in the world’s youngest country.

Speaking to reporters in Juba during a routine media briefing on COVID-19 in Juba on Sunday, Mayen M. Achiek, the Undersecretary of  the Ministry of Health, said reckless dumping of medical wastes constituted a non-ethical practice that he said is unacceptable.

“We have noted some friends do come with their own supplies and these supplies are hazardous, they are not necessarily within the list of essential medicines we need and also the quality insurance has become an issue,” Mayen said.

The senior health ministry official  further urged the country’s Food and Drugs Control Authority to examine all medical supplies entering the country from abroad.

“I give one example, two months ago; we had a dumping situation here where we were given some medical items that are expired. It was given to us in September, that is dumping,” he said.

“When you are giving some items that are expiring in a month or two it is like you are dumping on me. It is good that you are giving me something, but don’t dump it.  We are also guiding our friends not to dump us, it is not being ethical,” he advised.