+
Kerala Launches India’s First Drug Disposal Initiative
ECONOMY & POLICY

Kerala Launches India’s First Drug Disposal Initiative

Kerala is set to roll out nPROUD (New Programme for Removal of Unused Drugs), India's first initiative to collect and scientifically dispose of expired and unused medicines. Health Minister Veena George will inaugurate the project on February 22 in Kozhikode.

The pilot phase will begin in Ulliyeri panchayat under Kozhikode Corporation before expanding statewide. The initiative aims to curb environmental pollution, health risks, and antimicrobial resistance caused by improper disposal of medicines.

“Expired and unused medicines should not be thrown carelessly into the soil and water bodies,” the Health Minister said. “The Drugs Control Department has taken up this initiative because there are no adequate systems in place to collect or scientifically process such medicines.”

Under the program, medicines will be collected from homes at scheduled intervals, and the public can drop them in designated blue boxes. Pharmacies, clinics, and wholesalers must bring expired stock to pre-assigned collection centers. The initiative is backed by local bodies and Haritha Karma Sena members.

All collected medicines will be scientifically processed at Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Limited (KEIL), a waste treatment plant approved by central and state environment departments. The project adheres to the Biomedical Waste Management Act and Rules, ensuring eco-friendly disposal.

Kerala is set to roll out nPROUD (New Programme for Removal of Unused Drugs), India's first initiative to collect and scientifically dispose of expired and unused medicines. Health Minister Veena George will inaugurate the project on February 22 in Kozhikode. The pilot phase will begin in Ulliyeri panchayat under Kozhikode Corporation before expanding statewide. The initiative aims to curb environmental pollution, health risks, and antimicrobial resistance caused by improper disposal of medicines. “Expired and unused medicines should not be thrown carelessly into the soil and water bodies,” the Health Minister said. “The Drugs Control Department has taken up this initiative because there are no adequate systems in place to collect or scientifically process such medicines.” Under the program, medicines will be collected from homes at scheduled intervals, and the public can drop them in designated blue boxes. Pharmacies, clinics, and wholesalers must bring expired stock to pre-assigned collection centers. The initiative is backed by local bodies and Haritha Karma Sena members. All collected medicines will be scientifically processed at Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Limited (KEIL), a waste treatment plant approved by central and state environment departments. The project adheres to the Biomedical Waste Management Act and Rules, ensuring eco-friendly disposal.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Real Estate

Peninsula Land launches 19 luxury villas in Pune

Pune’s residential landscape is witnessing a shift as premium homebuyers increasingly seek larger spaces, privacy and independent living options beyond high-rise apartments. Addressing this demand, Peninsula Land Limited, part of the Ashok Piramal Group, has launched AshokVillas, an exclusive collection of 19 premium furnished villas in Gahunje, Pune.The development combines the independence of a standalone home with the convenience and security of a managed residential community. Designed around low-density horizontal living, AshokVillas offers residents private spaces while providing acces..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

MyBranch Expands South India Network with 16 Workspace Centres

MyBranch has expanded its South India presence with a 50,000 sq ft flexible workspace network comprising 16 centres across 14 cities in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.The expansion reflects growing demand for flexible office infrastructure as businesses establish regional teams, satellite offices and operations beyond traditional metropolitan markets. MyBranch’s network spans Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Guntur, Hanamkonda, Hubballi, Hyderabad, Madurai, Mangaluru, Rajahmundry, Salem, Tirupati, Vellore, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, with a large office space in Chennai also und..

Next Story
Building Material

Walplast Launches Moisture-Resistant Gypsum Plaster Solutions

Walplast Products Pvt. Ltd. has expanded its HomeSure GypEx portfolio with the launch of GypEx MoistShield and GypEx Gold, two gypsum plaster solutions designed to address moisture-prone applications and improve plastering efficiency.The new products have been developed in response to the growing demand for faster construction processes, improved material performance and consistent surface quality. The solutions aim to simplify interior plastering while addressing specific application requirements across construction environments.“Through HomeSure GypEx MoistShield and GypEx Gold, we are exp..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code