- Paranaque City, Metro Manila

The Hospital Director of the Medical Center Paranaque initiated the move to shift to mercury alternatives. This was supplemented by seminars on environmental health and public hearing by Paranaque City.

After receiving a copy of AO 21 , the Hospital Director called a meeting with the Medical Directoer, Administrator, Nursing Services and the Staff. A lecture was given in the General Assembly to sensitize the employee, trainings were provided and the mercury thermometers in the admission kit were right away removed.

Although there are issues on funding, accuracy, affordability and disposal, the hospital estimated the total cost and set a budget for implementing the program. They also studied different alternatives and provided a temporary storage. However, a more permanent disposal area remains an issue.

Safety of the patient is of primary concern for this hospital who envisions continuous compliance with the laws and policies set not only by the Department of Health (DoH) but also by the Local Government Unit (LGU) with regards to the environment.

“Concern for the environment, patients and hospital staff will continuously be inculcated in the minds of all stakeholders in our organization.”