The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE repeated occurrence of biohazardous medical waste turning up at the New Providence landfill without being incinerated has been blamed on a “fault in protocol and directives” by senior health officials.

Speaking to The Tribune on the condition of anonymity, a senior health official said the matter was being investigated “thoroughly” by various government agencies.

“This sort of occurrence should never have happened. This can only be blamed on a fault in protocol and directives at some point in the chain of command,” the source said.

“I can assure you that this matter is being taken seriously and being looked at thoroughly. We are looking at every angle, from PMH to PHA to DEHS, we have to figure out what is going on and why it has been allowed to continue.”

There have been several instances where biohazardous medical waste - severed limbs, vials of blood, used needles and other medical remains - has been transported to the New Providence landfill and dislodged out in the open, The Tribune understands.

Earlier this month, The Nassau Guardian reported the unsanctioned dumping of medical waste and patient documents at the dumpsite.

Subsequently, Environment and Housing Minister Kenred Dorsett confirmed that his ministry was addressing the problem.

However, since then there have been reports that more bioharzardous medical waste was sent to the landfill.

On Tuesday, several employees of Bahamas Waste indicated that the issues surrounding these shipments have led many at the company to take issue with working conditions at the facility.

In a letter presented to The Tribune, workers alleged that industry regulations specify that biohazardous material should be incinerated prior to pick up and transport to the landfill.

The letter read: “After much consideration, this letter has been drafted to build the country’s awareness to some of the most degrading conditions and practices that are (allegedly) being carried out at Bahamas Waste Limited.”

The group indicated that faulty working equipment and poor quality standards leave the dozens of employees at the facility at risk, as they are allegedly exposed to infected blood samples, used needles and fecal matter.

“With writing this letter it is hoped that some sort of support and assistance be given to the employees and that bad health practices be discontinued,” the letter added.

The allegations are similar to claims being made by line staff at Renew Bahamas, the landfill’s management company.

Officials at Bahamas Waste have offered no comment on the matter.

However, Renew Bahamas has long claimed that the issues exist with the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) and the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).

In a recent interview with The Tribune, newly appointed Renew Bahamas CEO Michael Cox insisted that he has continued his petitions of both organisations to address the problem.

Mr Cox has mounted a very public campaign to bring awareness to the issue, maintaining that if it is not addressed, a major health problem could arise.

When contacted for comment, officials at PHA told this newspaper to contact PMH.

However, no official comment has been offered by the hospital.