过期药品存隐患 专家呼吁社会全链条应对

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the dangers of using expired medications and the need for a comprehensive societal approach to manage expired drugs, including prevention, proper disposal, and public awareness [1][2][3] Group 1: Current Situation - Approximately 78.6% of families in China have a home medicine cabinet, yet over 80% do not regularly clean it, leading to an annual generation of about 15,000 tons of expired medications [1] - Expired medications are classified as hazardous waste and can pose risks to health and the environment if not disposed of properly [1] Group 2: Prevention Measures - Advocating for rational purchasing of medications is crucial to reduce overstocking and subsequent expiration [2] - Medical institutions and pharmacies should promote small dosage packaging to help patients buy only what they need, minimizing the risk of expiration [2] - Pharmacists should inform patients about medication usage periods and proper storage methods to prevent degradation [2] Group 3: Disposal Strategies - Establishing a standardized drug recovery system is essential for managing expired medications effectively [3] - The government should lead the creation of a drug recovery network with designated drop-off points in community health centers and pharmacies [3] - Regular "Expired Drug Recovery Days" should be organized to enhance public participation in the disposal process [3] - All collected expired medications should be handled by qualified hazardous waste disposal companies to ensure safe destruction and prevent environmental contamination [3]