The Philippine government, through the Department of Health is finally taking steps to phase-out mercury-based medical devices in all health facilities in 2010. The measure was made following a worldwide campaign to eliminate mercury-laden tools in all medical facilities, citing the high toxicity level of the substance which could affect humans in all probability.
The mercury which was already in use for a long time in some medical implements like thermometer and blood pressure apparatus has become an issue only in recent years. The authorities and medical experts, however late in their actions on the dangers of the substance, were relentlessly campaigning about the health hazard of mercury in the community.
In the Asia-Pacific Region, Taiwan came first in introducing regulations banning mercury in all of their medical facilities until 2011 owing to the fact that the island-nation has one of the best medical services and facilities in the world.
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