+
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
Infrastructure Urban

NABARD Holds Seminar on Vigilance, Integrity and Good Governance

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organised a seminar on “Vigilance: Strengthening Integrity and Good Governance” on 25 August 2026 at its Head Office in Mumbai as part of the ongoing Vigilance Awareness Campaign 2026 being observed from 17 August to 16 November 2026, with the theme “Probity for Prosperity."" The seminar was graced by Suresh N Patel, Former Central Vigilance Commissioner, Government of India, as the chief guest and keynote speaker.  The programme was attended by G S Rawat, Deputy Managing Director, Dr Ajay K Sood, Deputy Managing Dire..

Next Story
Equipment

XCMG Unveils World's First 14,000-Ton Ring Crane for Heavy Lifting

XCMG has announced that the first main unit of the world's first 14,000-ton ring crane has rolled off the production line, marking a historic breakthrough in ultra-heavy lifting technology. Jointly developed by XCMG and Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation Co., Ltd., the crane will be the largest-capacity ring crane ever built, setting a new benchmark for major construction projects worldwide.The crane features a modular configuration comprising two main units that work in tandem. The first main unit has completed final assembly and can independently perform lifting operations. Once both..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Thriveni Logistics orders 200 tip trailers from Jagdamba trailers

Jagdamba Trailers (JTPL), one of India’s growing trailer manufacturers, has secured a significant order for 200 Tip Trailers from Thriveni Transport and Logistics Pvt. Ltd., a leading mining and logistics company serving operations across India and overseas.The order, placed for iron ore transportation, is a major milestone for JTPL, particularly as the company secured the business after competing with more than 10 established trailer manufacturers. It also strengthens an already successful relationship between the two companies. Approximately one and a half years ago, Thriveni Transport and..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code