Health Hazard: Medicine packets found discarded next to highway near Nanthoor

Nanthoor: Bags full of old and expired medicine packets were found strewn along the national highway near KPT in the city. The callous way in which the medicines were discarded has led to public outrage.

Several bags full of expired medicines had been thrown in an area full of shrubs. The drugs included multivitamins and nutritional supplements, and those prescribed for chest pains and heart-related diseases.

There are government rules for the safe and scientific disposal of medicines and medical waste. Despite this, the callous way in which the medicines are discarded has shocked many. Expired medicines could be dangerous, if ingested, and may also lead to serious health complications and even death.

Manoj, a local resident, said that the stretch is being used as a waste dumping ground and added that the unscientifically discarded medicines may lead to a disaster. He urged the authorities to fix CCTV cameras to identify the culprits who throw waste irresponsibly.

Responding to Udayavani ‘Sudina’, Assistant Drug Controller Shankar Naik assured to take suitable action against the culprits. “There are clear rules and guidelines from the government. Moreover, many drug manufacturers accept any unsold medicines stocks that are nearing their expiry date. There are set procedures for safe disposal of bio-medical waster disposal too. Discarding medicines on the roadside is prohibited,” he added.