Return unused or expired medicine to health facilities, public urged

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry today has urged the public to return unused or expired medications to health facilities as improper disposal of medications can lead to water contamination.

Its minister, Dr Zaliha Mustafa, said the cost of water treatment could go up by RM3 million yearly due to the improper disposal of medications with high chemical levels.

She said the improper disposal of unwanted, unused or expired medicine could harm the environment as it leads to contamination of water sources.

"The public needs to understand the importance of proper medication disposal and follow the guidelines (provided) to protect the environment.

"When you flush your expired medication down the toilet, it will enter our sewage system, which will eventually end up in our water sources," Dr

Zaliha said after the Health White Paper town hall session today.

She said her ministry had implemented a disposal system managed by pharmacy personnel.

"Customers can return their expired medication to the ministry's hospitals and clinics so we can dispose of it properly," she said.

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