Study raises alarm over expired medicine disposal practices

KARACHI: A study by the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Jinnah Sindh Medical University has found that a large share of Karachi residents discard expired and unused medicines through unsafe methods, raising concerns about risks to both public health and the environment.

The research, published in the Allied Medical Research Journal, surveyed 2,000 adults from different parts of Karachi to examine public awareness and practices related to pharmaceutical waste disposal. According to the findings, 86% of respondents said they throw expired or unused medicines into household trash, while 8% said they dispose of them through drains or toilets.

The study also found very limited awareness of medicine take-back systems. Only 4% of those surveyed knew about such programmes, while 96% were unaware of them.

JSMU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Amjad Siraj Memon said the research showed how academic work can bring attention to issues that affect health and the environment but often go unnoticed. He said universities have a responsibility to produce evidence that can help shape stronger policy and contribute to healthier communities.

He said the issue required coordination among health professionals, policymakers, academic institutions, regulators and the public. "This study highlights a critical yet neglected issue that requires joint efforts from healthcare professionals, policymakers, academic institutions, regulatory bodies and the public. Proper management of pharmaceutical waste is essential for both environmental and public health protection," he said.

IPS-JSMU Principal Prof Huma Ali said the results pointed to a significant disconnect between public awareness and safe disposal behaviour.

The study’s findings underscore the scale of unsafe disposal practices identified among residents surveyed in Karachi and point to low familiarity with structured systems for returning unwanted medicines.