In a groundbreaking move to combat environmental pollution and public health hazards caused by the improper disposal of medicines, Kerala is set to launch the New Programme for Removal of Unused Drugs (nPROUD) on February 22, 2025. The initiative, led by the State Drugs Control Department, aims to collect and scientifically dispose of expired and unused medicines, making it the first government-led project of its kind in India.
Addressing a Critical Issue
Improper disposal of pharmaceuticals has long been a pressing issue, contributing to soil and water contamination, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and unintended human and animal exposure to harmful drugs. Studies indicate that a significant portion of people discard unused medicines in household waste bins or flush them into sewage systems, which leads to severe environmental consequences. For instance, research conducted in Western India found that 30.5% of consumers disposed of medicines in dustbins, while 12% flushed them down toilets. [1]
Recognizing the urgency of the problem, Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George emphasized the need for a structured disposal system. She stated that "Expired and unused medicines should not be thrown carelessly into the soil and water bodies", highlighting the environmental and health risks posed by pharmaceutical waste.
How nPROUD Works
The project will initially be rolled out in Ulliyeri Panchayat and Kozhikode Corporation, with plans for a statewide expansion in phases. Under nPROUD, unused medicines will be:
Collected from homes at scheduled intervals.
Deposited by the public in designated blue-colored bins placed at pre-identified locations.
Brought by wholesale and retail pharmacies, as well as clinics, to assigned collection centers for proper disposal.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with local bodies and members of the Haritha Karma Sena (Green Task Force), ensuring smooth execution and widespread participation.
Scientific Disposal and Environmental Safety
All the pharmaceutical waste gathered would be sent to the Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Limited (KEIL) treatment facility. It is approved by both the state and central government environment departments. The disposal process will adhere to the Biomedical Waste Management Act and its regulations to ensure that expired medicines are disposed of safely and environmentally responsibly.
This initiative is expected to prevent pharmaceuticals from entering natural ecosystems, where they can disrupt aquatic life, alter microbial communities, and contribute to antimicrobial resistance. [1]
Setting a National Precedent
The launch of nPROUD positions Kerala as a pioneer in pharmaceutical waste management. If successful, this model could be replicated by other Indian states to create a nationwide framework for the safe disposal of medicines.
PMC. "Disposal Practices of Unused and Expired Medicines Among the General Public in Western India." National Center for Biotechnology Information. Accessed February 20, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10867696/.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Pragati Sakhuja/MSM)