KOZHIKODE: Kerala to Start First Project to Collect and Dispose of Expired Medicines. The Kerala government is launching a new project to collect expired and unused medicines from homes and safely dispose of them. This is the first initiative of its kind in India, started by the State Drugs Control Department.

Called 'nPROUD' (New Programme for Removal of Unused Drugs), the project will be officially launched by Health Minister Veena George on February 22 in Kozhikode.

As part of this programme, people can either hand over unused medicines from their homes or drop them off at special collection points. This is the first time such a system is being introduced at a government level in the country. Initially, it will start in Kozhikode Corporation and Ulliyeri Panchayat, with plans to expand across the state, according to Veena George.

Why Is This Important?

Throwing expired medicines into the soil or water can cause serious problems like antimicrobial resistance, health risks, and pollution. Since there were no proper ways to collect and dispose of such medicines before, the Drugs Control Department has stepped in to solve this issue.

How Will It Work?

Officials will visit homes at certain times to collect unused medicines.

People can also drop medicines in blue boxes placed at fixed collection points.

Expired medicines from pharmacies, clinics, and wholesalers should be taken to designated centers.

This project is being carried out with the help of local authorities and Haritha Karma Sena members. All collected medicines will be scientifically processed at the Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Limited (KEIL) waste treatment plant, which is approved by the Central and State Environment Departments.

Throwing away unused or expired medicines in the wrong way is a big reason for pollution. When people get rid of antibiotics carelessly, they can mix with soil and water. Over time, this can harm the environment and even affect human health.