India’s first government-led initiative for the safe collection and disposal of expired medicines launches on February 22, 2025, under Kerala’s nPROUD program.

• Objective:Collect and scientifically dispose of expired and unused medicines to prevent environmental pollution and health hazards.

Implementation:

• Collection Methods:Scheduled pickups from households and designated blue drop-off boxes.
• Pilot Phase:Initiated in Kozhikode Corporation and Ulliyeri Panchayat, with plans for statewide expansion.
• Collaboration:Led by the Drugs Control Department, supported by local self-government bodies and Haritha Karma Sena members.
• Background:Builds upon the 2021 PROUD pilot in Thiruvananthapuram, which disposed of 21 tonnes of unused medicines.