China News network October 31, according to the South American overseas Chinese newspaper network reported that from October 29, Costa Rica's Chinese public medical units gradually implemented an environmental protection pilot program, that is, when delivering drugs to patients, use paper bags to replace disposable plastic bags.

According to the report, Costa Rica's Social Security Fund, which is responsible for managing public health institutions in China, explained that the pilot program has been implemented in Calderon Guardia Hospital, one of the most important hospitals in China, and clinics located in the suburbs of Coronado and Attillo Town in SAN Jose province.

The initiative aims to reduce the impact of the healthcare sector on the environment by controlling its carbon footprint, said Jose Vega, coordinator of CSF's medical services in China, in a statement.

Official data show that Costa Rican Chinese public health care units consume an average of 400 million plastic bags a year to pack medicines for patients. In 2017, about 84.7 million prescriptions were issued by all medical institutions managed by Costa Rica's Social Security Fund.

The Costa Rican Social Security Fund noted that replacing single-use plastic bags with paper bags is not only more environmentally friendly, but also better protects the privacy of patients when they deliver their medicines.

In addition, the international medical management body will also require more drug suppliers to provide drugs in cartons, which will help protect the environment and reduce labor costs when it comes to packaging.

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