DHA launches 'Clean your medicine cabinet' campaign

DHA pharmacies will take-back expired or unutilized medication.

Expired medication will be disposed off in line with international pharmaceutical safety guidelines.

Unutilized medication will first be reevaluated by experts within the pharmacy department and DHA will donate valid medication which is in a good condition to charities.

HE Khalid Al Sheikh Mubarak, Deputy Director-General of the DHA, said, "The campaign is being held to ensure people do not store expired medication in their homes as it is a safety hazard. Our aim is to ensure correct method of disposal, which is returning back expired or unutilized medication to pharmacies."

He added, "Residents can return these medications to DHA pharmacies located across Dubai at no cost." He said, "This programme was first introduced in June 2012 and the DHA is holding this campaign to remind people and to reinforce this habit."

Dr. Ali Sayed, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services Department at DHA, said, "The programme is ongoing and its aim is to ensures safe and effective disposal of old or expired prescription drugs, oral dosage , over-the counter medications and natural health products. Expired medication can pose serious health risks to individuals if not disposed of properly. Instead of flushing down your medication, which is harmful for the environment and pollutes the water, outdated medications should be returned back to pharmacies, to ensure they will be safely disposed." He added, "The DHA coordinates with Dubai Municipality to dispose off expired medication."

In terms of ensuring safety of medicines that are stored at home, he said, "Medicines should be checked regularly to ensure the medicine box does not have expired medication. Medicines should be stored in a cool and dry place; they should be in one container that is out of the reach and sight of children and pets. These are basic precautions which parents should always keep in mind."