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
Resources

Schindler named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026

Schindler has been named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026, a global ranking recognising companies for their workplace environments.Compiled by Forbes in partnership with Statista, the ranking is based on independent employee feedback, including whether employees would recommend their organisation to friends and family.The company said the recognition reflected its focus on creating a workplace where employees can develop their expertise and build careers. ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India needs an export-execution mindset: Vishesh Jain

Interview with Vishesh Jain, Founder & CEO, EximpleWhat gaps in India’s global trade ecosystem led you to build Eximple, and what problem did you see businesses struggling with most?Eximple came out of a problem that all three founders had seen from different choke points in the trade ecosystem. India has millions of MSMEs and manufacturers, and many of them can make products that are genuinely competitive on quality. Yet only a small fraction is able to build meaningful international businesses. In our experience, the gap is usually not manufacturing capability; it is the ability to exe..

Next Story
Building Material

Nuvoco reports 13.5% revenue growth in Q2 FY27

Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. reported consolidated revenue of Rs 27.9 billion for Q2 FY27, up 13.5% year on year. Cement sales volume rose 9% to 4.7 million tonnes (MMT), while EBITDA increased 11% to Rs 4.11 billion.The company said it began its cement operations in 2014 with a 2.3 MMT per annum (MMTPA) operation at Nimbol. It now aims to reach 35 MMTPA of cement capacity by FY28, nearly 15 times its initial capacity. Its portfolio spans cement, ready-mix concrete and modern building materials.On sustainability and cost efficiency, Nuvoco partnered with CleanMax for a 46.4 MW wind-solar hybrid re..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code