Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU
The Uttarakhand government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has launched a significant initiative aimed at the scientific, safe, and environmentally responsible disposal of medicines. Acting on the guidelines issued by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the state is preparing to implement a comprehensive system for managing expired and unused medicines.
Health Secretary and FDA Commissioner Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar stated that this initiative is being executed under the direction of Chief Minister Dhami as part of the “Healthy Citizen, Clean Uttarakhand” mission. He highlighted that until now, there was no uniform or efficient method for disposing of unused medicines—a particularly pressing concern in an ecologically sensitive state like Uttarakhand. The new system will help prevent environmental contamination and improve public health safety.
The plan includes the establishment of “Drug Take-Back Sites” across urban, semi-urban, and hilly regions. These centers will allow citizens to deposit expired or unused medicines, which will then be collected and scientifically disposed of at certified processing units.
Additional Commissioner FDA and Drug Controller Tajbar Singh Jaggi emphasized that the current disposal mechanisms are disorganized and insufficient. The new system will involve ‘third-party monitoring’ and stronger local enforcement by drug control units. Accountability will also be placed on manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, hospitals, and consumers alike.
Furthermore, the government will launch widespread public awareness campaigns to encourage community participation. This effort positions Uttarakhand as a potential national leader in green healthcare practices and reflects the government’s commitment to a sustainable and safe health ecosystem.
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