Antimicrobial Resistance Campaigner makes a Fervent Appeal for Safe Disposal of Leftover Medicines
New Delhi: We invariably worry about what might be the side effects of medicines on our body but there is one side effect of allopathy medicines that we hardly ever think or worry about. This is environmental side effect meaning thereby medicines which cure you might make your environment sick and, in turn, make you sick again. Antimicrobial Resistance crusader Dr Narendra Saini, Dr Narendra Saini, Chairman, IMA AMR Committee has made a fervent appeal for safe disposal of leftover medicines and remedial community action.
Dr Sain has called it very important public health concern. Saini Sabha has agreed to take initiative to address Antimicrobial Resistance through Safe Disposal of Leftover Medicines. In a meeting with Saini Community leaders, Dr Saini briefed them about menace of anti-microbial resistance and criticality of safe disposal of leftover medicines which might make environment sick. Dr Saini who is campaigning against antimicrobial resistance for ages, had a message for the community- Don’t throw leftover medicines into household waste. Dispose of them responsibly. Protect the environment. Prevent AMR.
Dr Saini highlighted that AMR is emerging as one of the major public health challenges in India, with indiscriminate and injudicious use of antibiotics contributing significantly to the problem.
He also drew attention to an equally important but often neglected issue: the improper disposal of leftover medicines, particularly antibiotics, from households. When discarded with general household waste, these medicines may enter the soil and eventually contaminate water bodies. Even small quantities of antimicrobial residues released into the environment can exert selection pressure on microorganisms, contributing to the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. These residues may also enter the food chain through water, crops and animals, ultimately posing a potential risk to human health.
Recognizing the importance of addressing this environmental dimension of AMR, East Delhi Saini Sabha passed a resolution to launch a community-based pilot initiative for the collection and safe disposal of leftover medicines, including antibiotics.
The initiative will be undertaken in association with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Navtarang Foundation, with proposed collection points at Saini Enclave and Vishwas Nagar. The collected medicines will be handed over to designated authorised waste management agencies for appropriate disposal in accordance with applicable rules and approved procedures.
The President of East Delhi Saini Sabha, Mr Shiv Raj Saini, and its senior leader and advisor, Mr G. L. Saini, warmly welcomed and endorsed the resolution. They assured their full support in creating awareness and encouraging public participation, not only among residents of Saini Enclave but also across the wider population of the region.
This initiative represents an important example of how community organisations, medical associations and social organisations can come together to address AMR through responsible medicine use, safe disposal practices and public awareness.
The pilot project aims to create a model of community participation that can be replicated in other residential areas as well.
A small step by the community can make a meaningful contribution towards protecting our environment and safeguarding the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.
