Wasted medicine in England costs the National Health Service (NHS) at least £480 million annually, according to new data. The waste is equivalent to 75 Olympic-size swimming pools filled with partially used drugs, highlighting a significant issue in healthcare efficiency.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) estimates that 3,400 tonnes of unused medicines were disposed of in England during the 2024/25 financial year. This waste includes both expired and partially used medications, which are discarded rather than being reused or repurposed.
The cost of this waste is a growing concern for healthcare officials, who are now looking for ways to reduce unnecessary disposal. The NHS is exploring strategies to improve medication management and reduce waste, which could save millions of pounds each year.
The NPA has called for better tracking systems and more education for patients and healthcare professionals to minimize waste. (dailymail.co.uk)
