Medicines Transported in Garbage Truck in Chennai: Doctor Suspended After Public Outrage

Chennai, India, 10 October, 2025 — In a recent incident in Kodungaiyur, North Chennai, essential medicines intended for pregnant women and children were reportedly transported in a garbage vehicle for about 1.5 km across five trips from Muthamizh Nagar to an Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC). The medicines included ferrous sulphate tablets, paracetamol syrup, and antibiotics. The incident took place because there was no specific budget or dedicated transport vehicle for this task under the Greater Chennai Corporation.

Following public complaints, the civic body cancelled the services of the contracted doctor involved in the matter. Authorities stated they will investigate whether proper practices were breached. A senior Greater Chennai Corporation official also confirmed that an internal enquiry will be conducted into whether the transport violated medical logistics norms.

Reports from DT Next and Times of India revealed that in certain instances, a battery-operated waste vehicle (BOV), typically used for garbage collection, was deployed to move medicines and vials from health centres. Officials admitted it was a one-time emergency measure taken due to unavailability of suitable vehicles.

Meanwhile, officials from the Solid Waste Management Department claimed they were unaware that the vehicle was being used for medicine transport, clarifying that such tasks are not part of their regular duties.

Public outrage intensified after videos showed medicines being carried in open boxes during rainy conditions, raising contamination concerns.

Politically, the incident sparked backlash — BJP State President K. Annamalai criticized the DMK government, calling the event a reflection of civic mismanagement.

In response, the Standing Committee on Public Health announced plans to propose a resolution for procuring enclosed and dedicated vehicles for medicine transport during the next municipal meeting.

What the Standards Say: Transporting Medicines Safely

Transporting medicines safely requires adherence to certain guidelines and scientific considerations, especially when medicines are temperature sensitive.

Cold Chain and Temperature Requirements

• Many pharmaceuticals (including vaccines, biologics, certain syrups, suspensions, antibiotics) require that they be stored and transported within recommended temperature ranges. If not maintained, chemical or physical degradation can occur, lowering efficacy or potentially making the medicine unsafe.

• For example, refrigerated medicines often must be kept between 2 °C and 8 °C. Other medicines may need “room temperature” conditions, roughly 15 °C to 25 °C (or up to 30 °C, depending on labeling and manufacturer instructions). Exceeding or falling below these ranges can damage potency.

• Vehicles used must be appropriate for the job: enclosed, clean, possibly temperature‐controlled (if needed). Unintended exposure to moisture, pollutants, or external contaminants (dust, waste, etc.) can compromise quality.

Regulatory / Government Guidelines

India’s national health programs (e.g. the National Rural Health Mission) require that when medicines are transported between warehouses and health facilities, certain practices be followed: using proper containers; handing over only to authorized personnel; checking delivery records; ensuring temperature conditions are maintained if required.

What Could Be Done: Alternative Practices and Corrective Measures

To ensure medicine quality, safety, and potency are preserved, health systems may adopt the following practices:

• Allocate budget and procure dedicated vehicles for medicine transport; if temperature control is needed, vehicles with refrigeration or insulated compartments should be used.

• Use insulated boxes or cold boxes for short hauls or transport within small distances to maintain required temperatures.

• Ensure packing of medicines in sealed, clean, labelled cartons; separate medicines from non‐medical goods.

• Train staff in correct handling, including loading/unloading, temperature monitoring, and record‐keeping (delivery notes, logs).

• Monitor the entire chain: from central warehouses through transport to health centres. Use data loggers or indicators to verify conditions. Regular audits.

• Establish contingency plans in emergency-use situations so that even temporary transport maintains minimum safety standards.

(Rh/Eth/TL/MSM)