TO raise awareness about proper medication disposal, the Lions Club of Tanjong has launched the ‘Safe Used-Drug Disposal Campaign’.
Its president Datuk Dr Tan Kah Keong said that often unused drugs would be thrown into dustbins which can pose serious risks to public health and the environment.
“They eventually enter the waterways, and the landfill, contaminating our ecosystem.
“The medicines might also go into the wrong hands, leading to misuse or abuse of these medicines, especially among the children.
“This could even poison them,” Dr Tan said during a press conference today.
Dr Tan said the public can also bring their unused medicines to the nearest government hospitals as well as the health clinics.
“In this campaign, special disposal boxes for the medications will be placed at various places to help the public dispose of their unused or expired medicines.
“Our main objective is to encourage and educate the public on proper medication disposal.
“Those who are staying near the government hospitals or health clinics can bring their medications to pharmacies of the respective hospitals and clinics,” Dr Tan said.
It is learned that, in the first phase of the campaign, slated for the next three months, a total of 100 disposal boxes will be strategically positioned throughout Penang, covering both the island and the mainland.
Apart from that, Dr Tan said non-governmental organisations (NGOs), such as Penang Medical Practitioners’ Society, Malaysia Medical Association, Malaysian Pharmacists Society, and Sunshine Supermarket, have joined the campaign.
“We also would like to invite other NGOs to join us in this campaign.
“Apart from that, we will also work with schools to educate our youngsters, empowering them to raise awareness among their family members,” Dr Tan said while adding that the Persatuan Usahawan Maju Malaysia (PUMM) is also supporting the programme.
Dr Tan also added that the 100 disposal boxes were sponsored by the Lions Club of Tanjong.
Meanwhile, state Youth, Sports, and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi commended the initiative of the Lions Club of Tanjong.
“The Lions Club of Tanjong has come up with this community project to send the message about the proper disposal of medications to safeguard our environment,” Gooi said.
For more information can contact Dr Tan at 012-4802911 or Kevin at 012-4103622 or Yeoh at 012-5698766.
Story & Pix Tanushalini Moroter