Roundtable on ‘The Safe Disposal of Medicines’
On 5 May 2026, the School of Pharmacy hosted a roundtable on ‘The Safe Disposal of Medicines’.
The event was held as part of efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3 – ‘ Good Health and Well-being”) and aimed to provide students on the “Pharmacy” and “Pharmaceutical Production Technology” programmes with a comprehensive understanding of modern approaches to the safe disposal of medicines and their impact on the environment and human health.
The event contributes to the development of environmental awareness, a culture of responsible management of pharmaceutical waste and professional ethics, raising students’ awareness of the regulatory, sanitary and technological aspects of pharmaceutical waste disposal, as well as fostering an understanding of the role of pharmacists and pharmaceutical production specialists in ensuring environmental safety.
The round table was moderated by K.A. Zhaparkulova, Head of the Department of Biotechnology and General Chemical Technology, who welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of the issue under discussion.
Presentations on the round table topic were given by:
— Saltanat Mukhanovna Dzhumabaeva, Senior Research Fellow at JSC ‘Scientific Centre for Anti-Infective Drugs’: ‘Safe disposal of medicines’;
— Mukhitdenova Asem Maratkyzy, Lecturer, Department of Biotechnology and General Chemical Technology: ‘Current Status and Legal Regulation of the Safe Disposal of Medicines in the Republic of Kazakhstan’
— Bakytgul Tothuskyzy, PhD, Associate Professor (without academic rank) at theDepartment of Biotechnology and General Chemical Technology: ‘Disposal of unused household pharmaceutical waste: a scientific review of a global problem’.
The following issues were discussed during the session:
— safe disposal of medicines and pharmaceutical waste: modern methods and technologies;
— regulatory and legal framework for the management of medical and pharmaceutical waste;
— environmental risks of improper medicine disposal (water and soil pollution, impact on biodiversity);
— the role of pharmacy organisations and pharmaceutical companies in the collection and disposal of expired medicines;
— international and national experience in organising systems for the return and destruction of medicines;
— fostering environmentally responsible behaviour among the general public and industry professionals.
Following the round-table discussion, the participants recommend:
- To continue organising scientific and practical events aimed at raising awareness of the safe disposal of medicines and pharmaceutical waste.
- To develop and incorporate into the educational curriculum elements that foster an environmental culture and the responsible handling of medicines.
- To conduct regular analyses of the state of pharmaceutical waste management in educational and professional settings, followed by open discussions of the results.
- To foster a professional environment based on the principles of environmental responsibility, safety and the rational use of medicines.
The round-table participants confirmed their readiness for further constructive cooperation with a view to enhancing environmental safety, improving the system for the safe disposal of medicines, and strengthening the sustainable development of the pharmaceutical industry and the healthcare system of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
