The Ministry of Environment has revealed serious irregularities in Qasr Aini old hospital after an extensive inspection campaign was carried out by a committee formed by the General Directorate of Inspection, the Ministry of Health and Cairo Health Directorate to ensure the hospital's commitment to sound standards in terms of waste disposal. Minister of Environment Magid George said the committee found that the hospital produces a ton of waste at least per day. In addition, the hospital's crematorium has been inactive for a long time and the room for the storage of hazardous waste does not meet the environmental conditions, as it was found full of red bags containing a mixture of solid waste, hazardous medical waste and boxes used to collect sharp parts. The room, the door of which was open, was not clean at all.
The campaign found a group of red bags inside black bags in the room. They contained hazardous medical waste, while other hazardous medical waste was scattered outside the room. It was also discovered that there was no protection equipment for those who are responsible for the collection, transport, treatment and disposal of medical waste. In a report to the concerned prosecution, the hospital officials pledged to take the necessary preventive measures and put time schedules to meet environmental conditions. The General Directorate of Inspection has stepped up its campaigns on unlicensed plants and warehouses that re-process hazardous waste, such as needles, syringes, blood bags and many plastic products, without taking into account the risks on people's health. The campaigns also aim to tighten control over the leakage of hazardous medical waste, George said.
