Pharma firm aims to stop expired drugs

Expired drugs are becoming a significant threat to the environment because of chemical ingredients that can change and become hazardous if disposed improperly, and a state-owned company has called on the public to pay more attention to the issue.

On Aug 13, Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical Holdings Co Ltd, invited public health policy researchers and online drug retailers to Beijing for the launch of a new initiative.

The company, based in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, has been recycling expired drugs since 2004 by working with pharmacies throughout the country to provide people with new drugs to replace the expired ones free of charge.

Last year, it became possible for people to search on the social media app WeChat for sites where expired drugs can be exchange for new ones.

The program has reached more than 6,000 pharmacies and hospitals in hundreds of cities, while many online drug retailers, including Alijk and Ehaoyao, have also signed up.

By scanning a QR code on drug packages, consumers can find out the drugs' manufacturing information, including the expiration date, and a web link for the online recycling program. After sending the expired drugs to a designated address, they will receive coupons or money in their online accounts to cover the cost of new drugs.

Baiyunshan says about 79 percent of Chinese households store over-the-counter and prescription drugs, while more than 80 percent of them do not check to replace expired medicine regularly.

More than 38 percent of the pharmaceuticals are three years or more past their expiration date, the company says.

Since 2004, the company has recycled more than 1,200 metric tons of expired drugs worth millions of dollars, says Zhang Chunbo, the company's deputy general manager.

However, he says, one company is not enough, and he hopes other firms and individuals will recognize the public health issues involved and take action.

liuzhihua@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily Africa Weekly 09/02/2016 page22)