ZAMRA TAKES LEAD IN SAFE MANAGEMENT OF PHARMACEUTICAL WASTE

The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) says the improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste can have devastating consequences including contamination of soil, water and air which might pose a significant risk to human health and the ecosystem.

This week, an Environmental health and Toxicology expert, Nosiku Munyinda called on authorities to compel the private sector to handle Pharmaceuticals beyond the point of sale.

But speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka, ZAMRA Senior Public Relations Officer, Ludovic Mwape says to mitigate these risks, the authority is working tirelessly to ensure that guidelines and methods for disposal are followed by all those involved in handling pharmaceutical waste.

“The authority is playing a crucial role in ensuring the safe management of pharmaceutical waste in the country by supervising and witnessing the disposal of pharmaceutical waste and,” said Mr. Mwape.

He also added that to achieve this goal, ZAMRA is working closely with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and local councils to ensure that standards for safe handling and disposal of pharmaceutical waste are followed.

By Elizabeth Mutale