Every day, in towns and cities right across the world, medicines are prescribed by doctors, dispensed by pharmacists and taken by patients. Whether this involves swallowing tablets in Tunisia, drinking liquids in Latvia or rubbing on cream in Croatia, the principle is the same for every person in just about every country.
Have you ever stopped to wonder, however, about what happens when these medicines are no longer needed? There could be any one of a number of reasons for not using them anymore. For example patients may pass away, their conditions might improve or the doctor simply feels that an alternative should be taken instead. Throwing these items straight into the bin should not be considered as an option in the majority of cases.
Someone has got to do it – and it’s untapped
You may not even be aware that there is a whole industry dedicated to the collection of unwanted medicines and medical equipment, and that all forms of pharmaceutical waste need to be handled with great care and responsibility. This is a truly lucrative business that plays an important role in the health industry.
A good example of why a reliable and experienced pharmaceutical waste provider is needed lies in the disposal of used needles. These vital pieces of equipment will in many cases still have blood deposits on them – and in some cases this blood may be infected – and therefore proper disposal is, to put it simply, a vital must-have.
Sharps bins seem to be everywhere
In just about every doctor’s surgery, behind the counter of chemist shops, at the desk in every needle exchange location and in ambulances all over the world, you will find those familiar sharps bins which we have all come to recognise in the modern world. Safe disposal of used needles is easy thanks to these boxes.
Given the fact that there are so many communicable diseases which can prove to be life-threatening when passed on, it comes as no surprise to see just how seriously the medical profession view pharmaceutical waste. Transferring a condition from one person to the next can be done in the blink of an eye, so great care is a necessity.
Grand role of pharmaceutical disposal service: Preventing an epidemic
Over the past year or two, we have read a great deal about Ebola, and how easy one single case can turn into an epidemic. Fast, effective action is always needed, whether it is in Liberia or London, and you can be sure that all used medicines, dressings and needles are going to be disposed of with even greater care.
The publicity surrounding the potential spread of Ebola has at times been more than a little sensationalist, but it shouldn’t detract from the seriousness of the message. Medical professionals have had to work to the strictest guidelines in order to protect both the patients and the rest of us. No wonder clinical waste is handled with care.
