The Effectiveness of Law on the Obligation of B3 Medical Waste Management by Healthcare Facilities in Tana Toraja Regency

Abstract

This study analyzes the effectiveness of legal obligations in managing hazardous and toxic (B3) medical waste by healthcare facilities in Tana Toraja Regency, focusing on RS Fatima Makale, RSUD Lakipadada, and RS Sinar Kasih Tana Toraja. The research is motivated by an incident of illegal medical waste disposal at the Padangiring landfill in December 2024. It employs a socio-legal approach by evaluating compliance with Law Number 17 of 2023 on Health, Government Regulation Number 22 of 2021, and Minister of Health Regulation Number 2 of 2023. Primary data were collected through interviews with hospital management, the Health Office, the Environmental and Forestry Office, waste transporters, and affected communities, supported by literature review. The findings indicate that the effectiveness of waste management remains low across stages, including segregation, temporary storage, transportation, treatment, and reporting. Key obstacles include limited human resources, inadequate infrastructure, weak inter-agency coordination, and reactive supervision. The study concludes that overall effectiveness ranges from moderately effective to ineffective.