Under nproud’s leadership, 21 tons of unused or expired drugs from Kozhikode were sent for disposal

The net weight of the drug collected was about 24 tons.

To date, the Drug Control Department has collected about 21 tons of unused or expired drugs from various sources at Kozhikode Corporation to a new plan for Unused Drugs (NPROUD) launched in February, from Kozhikode Corporation to Kerala Enviro Inviro Infrastructure Ltd. (KEIL).

According to the source, four methods are used to advance the project. Through the collection line, unused or expired drugs are collected from wholesale distributors. The center was set up in five locations in the city once in February and temporary collections were set up twice in March. Up to 168 blue drop boxes are installed in different parts, and different parts of the drug can be deposited throughout March. They were collected from the ward level by Haritha Karma Sena volunteers on designated dates.

About 14 tons were collected by the production line collection method, 5 tons were collected by temporary collection, and five tons were collected by the household. The net weight of the drug collected was about 24 tons, and about 21 tons were sent to Keil for scientific disposal. Assistant drug director Shaji Varghese said Tuesday that such a large amount of drugs were collected for the first time.

The program was initiated in the pilot projects of Kozhikode Corporation and Ulliyeri Grama Panchayat. Although the home collection has been completed at Kozhikode Corporation, the data from the Drop Box Collection is being listed. Work on the project began on April 1st. The entire state is expected to be expanded based on responses to the pilot program. The Drug Control Department claims it will ensure safe disposal of drugs consistent with the Biomedical Waste Management Act and its rules.

Health department officials say unscientific disposal of unused or expired drugs in normal waste or waters or soil is promoting antibiotic resistance and environmental pollution. The active chemicals in such drugs may penetrate into groundwater or enter the food chain.