The Eastern Cape Department of Health has categorically denied allegations that Frere Hospital was involved in the illegal dumping of medical waste, after circulation of a video on social media.
The footage, shared by an unidentified individual, claimed the hospital was responsible for waste found at an unnamed railway station, accusations the department has described as “malicious and unfounded”.
It said the hospital follows health protocols and that a contracted private service collects the waste daily for proper disposal, reports IOL. Also, contrary to the claims in the video, Frere Hospital uses boxes for medical waste storage, not plastic bags, as depicted in the footage.
Additionally, the waste packaging materials of the supplier contracted to dispose of Frere Hospital’s medical waste have tags for easy identification, it said in a statement.
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