Medical waste and patient records were found dumped at the Ventersdorp Landfill site in North West.

The discarded medical waste and dumped patient records from a local clinic and hospital were found by DA members during an oversight inspection conducted at the Ventersdorp landfill site last week. DA Provincial Spokesperson on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Freddy Sonakile, expressed his shock at the manner in which patients' records and medication were discarded. He called for an immediate investigation.

Medical waste was dumped at the Ventersdorp landfill site. Photo: DA North West/Facebook

“We reported this to the MEC of Health, Madoda Sambata, insisting on an urgent investigation into this negligent behaviour. Medical waste recklessly discarded poses a serious health risk to people and the disposal of it is regulated to prevent infection of numerous diseases. Patients also have a right to privacy, and medical records must be safely stored for at least six years after they become dormant.”

Medical records of a hospital in Ventersdorp were dumped at the landfill site, Photo: DA North West/Facebook

Sonakile raised concerns over the unacceptable state of the facility and the risks it poses to the environment and health of residents. He said they have lodged a complaint with the Green Scorpions for investigation.

“It is quite evident that the landfill site fails to comply with the national norms and standards for the disposal of waste to landfill as regulated in the National Environment Management: Waste Act.”  

The Ventersdorp landfill site. Photo: DA North West/Facebook

One of the challenges discovered at the landfill site was that it was not properly fenced or secured. While the dumped waste is not being classified. Sonakile said people are enjoying free access to the landfill site due to poor fencing. People were also collecting dumped expired foodstuffs for consumption while children were playing around the landfill site. The situation at the landfill site exposed people to dumped toxic substances putting them at risk of injury or contracting infections.   

People are enjoying free access to the landfill site due to poor fencing. Photo: DA North West/Facebook

OFM News has sent an inquiry to the North West Health Department.

OFM News