Mumbai: The Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) has launched a pilot project to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global health threat. This initiative aims to empower and equip the state’s 30,000 drug retailers to raise awareness among patients and consumers.
Gujarat FDCA Commissioner Dr H G Koshia stated, “We have started the project with support from 250 retailers in Gandhinagar. As part of the project, each retail drug store will put a bin for disposing of expired medicines and then accordingly destroy it as per biomedical waste management norms. This is a big step towards tackling AMR, which is today a global threat.”
The pilot project involves the following key actions like awareness campaigns. Retailers will educate consumers about the dangers of AMR and the importance of using antibiotics responsibly.
Retail drug stores will install bins for the safe disposal of expired medicines, ensuring they are destroyed according to biomedical waste management norms.
Proper disposal practices will help prevent environmental contamination and reduce the risk of expired medications being misused.
“Starting in Gandhinagar, the project is expected to expand across Gujarat, aiming to create a significant impact on public health and environmental safety. This initiative represents a proactive approach by the Gujarat FDCA in addressing a critical issue affecting both the local community and global health,” Dr. Koshia said.
