- Manila City, Metro Manila
The following are the factors that moved San Lazaro Hospital to opt for safer alternatives to mercury devices: the ever-determined and persistent Engr. Aida Calma, the 1st Southeast Asia Conference on Mercury in Health Care, and reading materials such as Guide to Alternatives for Health Care and the Global Movement for Mercury-Free Healthcare.
Prior to implementation of AO 21, hospital personnel were already aware of the effects of mercury on health and the environment so there was no resistance on their part giving way to smooth implementation of the order.
Although funding and disposal of mercury devices were issues faced by the hospitals, prioritization of the requirements, support from the Department of Health (DoH), and identification of temporary storage for mercury devices made it easier for the hospital.
Patient safety remains top consideration for mercury-free San Lazaro Hospital. Thus explains why the hospital is also into waste segregation, recycling and composting, non-use of harmful cleaners, and healthy food.
In a few years, San Lazaro Hospital aims for a 100% involvement and commitment of all employees to health safety practices, 100% involvement and dedication of all employees to environmental safety and protection, and involvement of nearby community to health care waste management projects that deal on environmental health.