July 2010

Collecting discarded drugs

Outstanding pharmacies in collecting discarded drugs will receive benefits from the government Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Health and Welfare has decided to expand the upper policy across the country since July.

Since July, a certain level of benefits will be given to the pharmacies which actively participate in nation-wide project to collect discarded drugs from households.

Besides, there will be an amendment in law that aims to obligate pharmaceuticals to take responsibilities in disposal processing.

The Ministry of Environment is working with the Ministry of Health and Welfare to expand the plan to collect discarded drugs across the nation, starting from July.

The project will be carried out through pharmacies and public health centers.

The existing project was only applied to metropolitan area, megalopolis and area near provincial government until now.

Thus, the Environment Ministry is planning to amend the enforcement regulations of the law regarding waste management during the year.

The body will also change the meter-rate-system for trash and give out trash bags to pharmacies and public health care centers.

In particular, pharmacies promoting the campaign and taking initiatives will be designated as outstanding pharmacies and receive an award.