KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 2 – With improper disposal of unused and expired medications by the public fast becoming a rising concern due to potentially harmful effects on the environment and community, Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre (BTMC) and its partners are spearheading the Safe Medication Disposal Programme in an effort to make a positive impact on the residents in Klang.
The collaboration with Companies, Industries and Traders Association (CITA), a representative of various trade and manufacturing fields of Chinese-funded SMEs, and Hai-O, a traditional health care company, will see a total of 50 disposal boxes for the public to safely discard medication being placed at various high-traffic locations and neighbourhoods in Klang.
To mark the launch of the Safe Medication Disposal Programme, the parties recently signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding. The public can look out for the bins from January 16, 2023. All discarded items will be collected and sent to BTMC for proper waste disposal.
Safe disposal of expired or unused medicines in their numerous forms is essential for individual and environmental safety but many are unaware of proper medication disposal.
Unused medications at home and improper medication disposal create various risks including intentional or accidental misuse, overdose, addiction in humans, as well as possible toxic effects on pets.
Leakage of toxicity from expired medications into the environment can also make water resources unsafe.
Jasmine Lau, BTMC Chief Executive Officer said: “As a leading health care provider in Klang, we at BTMC are continuously educating the community and spreading awareness on the importance of handling their medication safely.
“However, people often do not give much thought to how they dispose medication. Poor disposal practices are often the result of a lack of knowledge of how they can adversely affect the environment or even lead to misuse of medicines if in the wrong hands.
“By partnering with CITA and Hai-O who not only share our values but are conscientious and passionate about elevating the quality of health in the community while protecting the environment, I hope the ‘Safe Medication Disposal Programme’ will encourage change in disposal habits among people.”
BTMC is part of the Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care Group (RSDH). The hospital’s initiative falls under RSDH’s philosophy of “People Caring for People”, as well as RSD Cares commitment to sustainability, which includes “Caring for Our Planet” and “Caring for Our Community” as key pillars.
