I've just come across a report on waste medicines by York Health Economics Consortium and the School of Pharmacy, University of London. They seem to be saying that we've done the easy bit in reducing wasted drugs. Now it's likely to be more expensive to reduce the waste than it's worth - just £300million! This is the economic argument. This is based on clinicians and pharmacists time (£25-100 per hour) required to reduce waste.
Can environmental sustainability have a different view on this. Viewing wasted drugs from an environmental impact rather than just a cost. This includes C-footprint of manufacture, shipping and disposal.
The authors do come up with some recommendations to reduce waste. It would be great if bringing sustainability into the argument could strengthen their case and encourage action. I found the report through commentry on Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee it would be great to find out if anyone in that organisation is championing sustainability?
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