• Kerala is poised to become the first Indian state to implement a comprehensive program, nPROUD (New Programme for Removal of Unused Drugs), for the collection and environmentally sound disposal of expired and unused medications.
• The initiative, spearheaded by the Kerala Drugs Control Department and announced by Health Minister Veena George, addresses the significant environmental and health risks associated with improper disposal of pharmaceuticals, such as antimicrobial resistance and water contamination.
• The program will initially launch in Kozhikode Corporation and Ulliyeri panchayat, utilizing designated collection points for household drug disposal and adhering to the Biomedical Waste Management Act, with the Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Limited (KEIL) handling the treatment and disposal at their certified plant.
• Involving local self-government institutions and the Harithakarma Sena, this project aims to establish a structured system for managing expired drugs, a crucial step towards protecting public health and the environment, with the official inauguration set for February 22nd in Kozhikode.