The Ministry of Health is gearing up to launch a campaign aimed at “reclaiming expired and unused medications” throughout the country, starting from today, which coincides with World Patient Safety Day.
The initiative involves delivering these medications to health centers situated in specialized healthcare zones for safe disposal, reports Al-Qabas daily.
The campaign kicks off today, starting with the Yarmouk and Abdullah Al-Mubarak centers. Subsequently, on Monday, it will extend to Adailiya and Al-Zahra, followed by Al-Sha’ab and Al-Shuhada on Tuesday, Al-Daiya and Al-Rumaithiya on Wednesday, and Al-Faiha and Mishref on Thursday.
On the 17th of this month, the campaign will continue in Al-Surra, Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Qortuba, and Jaber Al-Ali on Mondays, Al-Rehab and the suburb of Abdullah Al-Salem on Tuesday, Al-Shamiya and Al-Ayoun on Wednesday, and Al-Dasma and Al-Sulaibikhat on Thursday.
The World Health Organization, through its local office, has expressed its commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Health on this campaign. Their joint goal is to raise awareness regarding the proper disposal of expired or unused medications, with a focus on ensuring patient safety and averting potential harm.
The WHO underscores the significance of media involvement in disseminating critical information about the correct disposal methods and collection points for these medications.
Health sources have confirmed that the campaign will witness the active participation of medical and nursing staff, students from the College of Medicine, and professionals from the drug and food control sector. Past campaigns have seen enthusiastic engagement from both citizens and residents, particularly in the return of medicines that have exceeded their expiration dates or have unexpired shelf lives, which can be repurposed for other patients.