Two KwaZulu-Natal hospitals were allegedly behind the illegal dumping of medical waste in Marianhill, the Democratic Alliance said on Wednesday.

“All indications are that waste management companies are not responsible for the incorrect segregation of waste,” said the DA provincial health spokesman John Steenhuisen in a statement.

“We urge the MEC to be proactive and to communicate with all hospital personnel involved in the disposal of dangerous medical waste.”

On Tuesday the health department was trying to establish the source of medical waste found dumped in Marianhill.

The medical waste, consisting of syringes and gowns, was found last week.

It had since been moved and buried by the municipality.

Steenhuisen said it was clear that hospital personnel were either not instructed properly or were being careless.

“The health department has a responsibility to ensure that training is provided at all hospitals, so that personnel are able to distinguish dangerous medical waste from general waste,” said Steenhuisen.

Steenhuisen said the health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo must also make it clear to private and government hospitals that they follow the same set of rules.

Dhlomo’s spokesman Chris Maxon said the department had sent environmental officers to the area to investigate the origins of the medical waste.

He said the department had a policy in place and a service provider contracted to dispose of all medical waste.

Environmental officers had also visited all public health facilities to check on waste management.

“Environmental health managers have visited these institutions and conducted training on waste management,” said Maxon.

“Environmental officers found that all have protocols and plans that are visible for all staff.”

Maxon said the department was concerned about the illegally dumped medical waste as it posed health risks to the nearby communities.

It would assist municipal officials in formulating a policy on medical waste management and training of private health care providers.

“Especially general practitioners, in proper medical waste management and disposal practices,” Maxon said.