In a major move for environmental sustainability and public health, Kerala is poised to be the first state in India to implement a scientific method for collecting and disposing of expired and unused medicines from homes. The Kerala Drugs Control Department will officially kick off the ‘nPROUD’ (New Programme for Removal of Unused Drugs) initiative on February 22, 2025. This government-driven project seeks to address the increasing problem of pharmaceutical waste, which presents both environmental dangers and health risks.
Why Is Safe Disposal of Medicines Important?
The improper disposal of expired and unused medicines poses a significant issue. Many individuals tend to discard these medicines by tossing them in the regular trash or flushing them down the toilet, resulting in contamination of soil and water. This contamination can lead to antimicrobial resistance, making infections more difficult to treat and heightening health risks. Kerala’s initiative aims to tackle this problem by establishing a systematic approach for the safe collection and disposal of unused medications.
According to the Biomedical Waste Management Act and Rules, pharmaceutical waste must be handled properly to prevent environmental pollution. The nPROUD initiative will ensure that expired medicines are collected in a responsible manner and disposed of scientifically, following regulatory guidelines.
How Will the nPROUD Initiative Work?
The program will begin in Kozhikode Corporation and Ulliyeri Panchayat in Kozhikode district before expanding statewide. The initiative will function through a three-step process:
- Household Collection – Officials will visit homes at designated periods to collect unused medicines directly from residents.
- Permanent Collection Points – Special blue-colored bins will be placed in public areas for easy disposal.
- Collaboration with Local Bodies – The Haritha Karma Sena (Green Task Force) and local self-government institutions will play a key role in managing the collection process.
Once collected, the medicines will be transported to Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Limited (KEIL), a waste treatment facility approved by both state and central environmental authorities. The initiative will ensure compliance with legal waste management standards while protecting public health.
