Industry Praises CDSCO’s Safe Disposal Guidelines for Expired Drugs

The pharma industry and pharmacy trade have welcomed CDSCO’s new guidelines for disposing of unused and expired medicines, seeing it as a positive move to curb unsafe disposal. The guidelines promote legal compliance, environmental safety, and public health protection. However, enforcement and public awareness remain concerns.

While manufacturers and distributors have clear disposal rules, consumer disposal—especially flushing opioids—raises environmental risks due to poor sewer infrastructure. Experts suggest implementing a ‘take-back’ system and conducting pilot programs to support safe disposal.

The Indian pharma sector views the guidance as a step toward global best practices but highlights challenges like inadequate disposal infrastructure, low awareness among smaller players, logistical issues, and costs. Effective implementation will require collaboration between regulators, industry, and environmental groups, along with capacity-building, incentives, and clear protocols.

04-06-2025