PETALING JAYA: GSK Malaysia has launched its second Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) campaign called #GiveBack, in conjunction with World Environment Day, focusing on responsible disposal of medical waste.
GSK Malaysia and Brunei vice-president and general manager Dr Jonathan Pan said the campaign provides a convenient way to responsibly dispose used inhalers and leftover medicine blister packs which lessens the impact to the environment.
"GSK is dedicated to achieve net zero impact on climate and positive impact on nature by 2030.
"In June 2022, we started the pilot phase of the first campaign with our partner BIG Pharmacy," he said.
He added that the campaign has an expanded partnership in the second phase, with several pharmacies, namely AA Pharmacy, Alpro Pharmacy, AM PM Pharmacy, BIG Pharmacy, CARiNG Pharmacy Group, FirstCare Pharmacy, Health Lane Family Pharmacy, Mega Kulim Pharmacy, Park@city Pharmacy & Medical Supplies, Straits Pharmacy and Sunway Multicare Pharmacy, supported by the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS), aiming to increase collection points for greater convenience.
"Now, with additional partner pharmacies and healthcare groups, we look forward to the expansion of this programme and participation of the public in #GiveBack campaign."
Dr Pan added that people can drop off their used asthma inhalers and medicine blister packs at over 600 collection points nationwide for proper disposal.
"Healthcare systems around the world generate 5.9 million tonnes of solid waste to landfills and contribute over four per cent of carbon emissions.
"The inhalers discarded contain propellants which are greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Therefore, proper disposal of these unwanted waste materials is crucial.
"All of us have a part to play because this only works if we all make an effort. All of us are stakeholders and custodians of the future, and it starts with learning to do better in our sustainability efforts," he added.