Dehradun: On the occasion of its 25th statehood anniversary, the Government of Uttarakhand has taken a historic step towards environmental protection and public health. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state is implementing a scientific and safe drug disposal system in accordance with the guidelines of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).

This initiative is expected to position Uttarakhand as a leading state in establishing a model green healthcare system in the country.

Drug Take-Back Sites to Be Established, Public Awareness to Be Boosted

Health Secretary and FDA Commissioner Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar informed that “Drug Take-Back Sites” will be set up across urban, semi-urban, and hilly areas of the state, allowing citizens to deposit expired, unused, or damaged medicines. These will be collected and disposed of scientifically at authorized processing units.

The CDSCO guidelines categorize drugs into expired, unused, recalled, and cold chain-compromised. Disposal methods such as incineration, encapsulation, and use of color-coded biomedical waste bags will be adopted to ensure safety and compliance.

Accountability for All Stakeholders

Additional FDA Commissioner and Drug Controller Tajbar Singh Jaggi stated that clear accountability will now be assigned to drug manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, hospitals, and consumers. The Druggists and Chemists Association will be involved in the take-back system, and e-drug log systems will be used for data monitoring and audits.

He emphasized that improper disposal of medicines can lead to water source contamination, serious health risks, and global challenges like antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This move, therefore, is both timely and necessary.

Strengthening the ‘Healthy Citizens, Clean Uttarakhand’ Mission

This initiative will further strengthen the Chief Minister’s “Healthy Citizens, Clean Uttarakhand” mission and could establish the state as a national and international model for environmental responsibility in healthcare.

Himalayan Live Bureau

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