WHO: Draft on Regulatory Ovesight of Disposal of Medical Products
WHO published a draft consultation document on regulatory oversight of disposal of medical products throughout the lifecycle.
Improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste can promote the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), leading to difficult-to-treat infections. It also poses health risks, including respiratory diseases, endocrine disruption, radiation poisoning, and certain cancers. In addition, pharmaceutical waste can contaminate air, water, soil, and agricultural systems, causing significant environmental and food safety concerns.
WHO recommends that National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) establish or update legal frameworks for the safe disposal of unwanted medical products. Authorities should implement risk-based inspections, oversee the entire disposal process through appropriate documentation and traceability, license and supervise waste management providers, and introduce controls to prevent diversion, falsification, and environmental contamination. In addition, NRAs are encouraged to provide training, promote public awareness, and strengthen collaboration with environmental and other competent authorities.
Comments should be submitted through the online PleaseReview™ platform by 22 August 2026.
Figure 1 highlights the main pathways of entry of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals into the environment during routine production and use.
Source:
Meet the GMP Compliance Adviser
The GMP Compliance Adviser is the world's largest knowledge portal for quality management in the pharma business.
The demo access is non-binding and ends automatically.
You may also be interested in the following articles:
