Last Updated on September 7, 2024 by The Health Master
Disposal Policy
The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Govt of India (Govt) is taking proactive steps to address the environmental hazards posed by the improper disposal of expired and unused pharmaceutical products. To mitigate this issue, the DoP is developing a comprehensive ‘Disposal Policy‘ that will outline guidelines for the safe and effective removal of such drugs from both sale premises and households.
A Committee for Disposal Policy Formulation
A dedicated committee, chaired by the Kerala drug controller, has been established to formulate the disposal policy.
This committee comprises representatives from various stakeholders, including state regulators, with the aim of creating a comprehensive and effective framework.
The Problem of Unscientific Disposal
The DoP recognizes that the unscientific disposal of expired drugs by consumers and traders is a major contributor to environmental pollution.
By implementing a well-defined disposal policy, the department aims to provide clear guidelines for the proper handling and disposal of these products, thereby reducing their negative impact on the environment.
Must read: Safe disposal of unused medicines
Kerala’s PROUD Project: A Model for the Nation
Kerala’s Department of Drug Control has been at the forefront of addressing this issue through its innovative “Programme on Removal of Unused Drugs” (PROUD).
Launched in 2018 in partnership with the All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association (AKCDA), PROUD has been instrumental in collecting and safely disposing of expired and unused medicines from drug shops and households in the Thiruvananthapuram district.
Key Features of the PROUD Project:
- Drug Collection Boxes: Specially designed boxes are placed at selected retail shops where individuals can drop off their expired or unused medicines.
- Safe Disposal: The collected medicines are sent to an agency for destruction through incineration.
DoP Recognizes PROUD’s Success
Impressed by the success of the PROUD project, the DoP has decided to adopt it as a model for its national disposal policy.
The inclusion of the Kerala drug controller in the policy formulation committee underscores the importance of the state’s experience and expertise.
Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance
Dr. Sujith Kumar, Drug Controller of Kerala, emphasizes the global concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for the development of safe disposal policies for expired medicines, especially antibiotics, to mitigate this pressing issue.
Environmental and Health Risks
Studies have shown that antibiotic residues and AMR can lead to serious environmental and health hazards.
The unscientific disposal of expired, leftover, substandard, spurious, and adulterated medicines is a significant factor in contributing to AMR among both animals and humans.
Expanding PROUD to All Districts
Kerala’s Department of Drug Control plans to expand the PROUD program to all districts of the state starting from October.
This expansion will significantly enhance the reach of the initiative and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Advocacy for Ecopharmacovigilance
Dr. Revi S Menon, former drug controller of Kerala, has advocated for the replication of the PROUD project nationwide.
He has also suggested that the Pharmacy Council of India include “Ecopharmacovigilance” (EPV) in pharmacy curricula to promote awareness and action on safe drug disposal.
Industry Support
The All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association has pledged its full support to the drug controller in extending the PROUD project to all districts.
Their collaboration will be instrumental in ensuring the successful implementation of the initiative.
Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
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