The Kerala government has launched India's first-ever medicine disposal scheme, titled ‘nPROUD’ (New Programme for Removal of Unused Drugs). This groundbreaking initiative, implemented by the State Drugs Control Department, aims to collect expired and unused medicines from homes and dispose of them scientifically to prevent environmental pollution and health hazards. The programme was inaugurated by Health Minister Veena George on February 22, 2025, in Kozhikode.

 

The nPROUD project has been developed to address the growing concerns of improper disposal of unused medicines, which can lead to environmental pollution especially contamination of soil and water bodies,antimicrobial resistance caused by drug residues entering the ecosystem and health risks.

 

By establishing a systematic mechanism for collecting and processing unused medicines, the scheme aims to ensure compliance with the Biomedical Waste Management Act and Rules.

Key Features of the 

1. Medicine Collection Mechanism:

• Unused and expired medicines will be collected from homes during designated months.

• Public disposal facilities, such as blue boxes, will be installed at permanent collection points.

• Medicines from wholesale and retail establishments, as well as clinics, will be brought to pre-designated collection centers.

2. Pilot Project Implementation:

• The project will initially be rolled out in the Kozhikode Corporation and Ulliyeri Panchayat in Kozhikode district.

• Plans are underway to expand the initiative across the state after evaluating its success.

3. Scientific Processing:

• Collected medicines will be transported to the Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Limited (KEIL) waste treatment plant, which has approvals from the Central and State Environment Departments for safe and scientific disposal.

4. Collaboration with Local Bodies:

• Local self-government bodies and members of the Haritha Karma Sena will actively assist in the collection and transportation of unused drugs.

Implementation and Way Forward

• Statewide Rollout: After the pilot in Kozhikode, the government aims to implement the nPROUD scheme across Kerala.

• Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness will be raised to educate citizens about the importance of proper medicine disposal.

• Sustainable Model: nPROUD sets a precedent for other states to adopt similar measures, making it a national model for pharmaceutical waste management.

The nPROUD initiative represents a significant step toward addressing pharmaceutical waste management in India. By integrating scientific disposal practices, environmental sustainability, and public participation, Kerala is pioneering a model for responsible waste management that could have far-reaching impacts on public health and environmental conservation across the country.