Awareness and Practices of Disposal of Unwanted Medicines among Patients Visiting the OPD and Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

Pharmaceuticals play a very substantial part in the treatment of various diseases and related problems. After the treatment, it is necessary to dispose the remnant medicines properly. The disposal of unused and expired medicines in a proper way is important, to evade buildup. Therefore, awareness and knowledge of drug disposal is essential. The pharmaceutical waste in water affects the health of humans. This study aims to evaluate the awareness of disposal among medical healthcare professionals and patients visiting hospitals. The contamination of pharmaceutical waste in the environment is due to the absence of awareness and knowledge among people. Proper disposal of pharmaceutical waste can prevent environmental contamination. In this study, about 100 participants from various categories were considered. The survey included different sections, such as demographics and questions pertaining to awareness. The survey was completed by 500 volunteers, of which 45% were male and 55% female. According to the study, 21% of the participants dispose expired/unused medicines by flushing them down the toilet/sink. Maximum awareness, of approximately 96%, was found among the nurses, about the importance of improper disposal. If the wastage of medication is controlled by the healthcare professionals, the ecological trail of medicines can be greatly reduced. There is a strong requirement for increasing awareness about safe disposal of medications among professionals in the healthcare system. This paper will be a vital tool to initiate effective medical waste management programmes in India.

Keywords: Unused Medicines, Waste, Expired Medicines, Drug Disposal

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