Kalimantan Selatan struggles with medical waste disposal
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In South Kalimantan, Indonesia, growing healthcare access has created increasing challenges in managing medical waste, which is classified as hazardous material.
Residents of Sungai Besar, Banjarbaru, discovered six bags of medical waste abandoned near a road in May, prompting a response from local authorities. Anindya Risa Destiana, the local village head, coordinated with the sub-district head and related agencies to remove the waste, concerned about the risk to the public, especially children.
The village lacks the authority to investigate the source of the illegal dumping and instead focuses on prevention through community outreach via social media, neighborhood meetings, and health centers. Residents have also taken initiative by installing security cameras and warning signs in areas previously used for illegal dumping. A. Muhramsyah of the Banjarbaru City Environmental Agency traced some of the waste back to purchases of medication and medical supplies, beginning an investigation into the responsible party.
