Agartala, February 5, 2025: A large quantity of expired government-supplied medicines was found dumped on the banks of a canal near Tripura’s Durga Chowmuhani in Agartala city triggering concerns about medical waste mismanagement. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Health Department, prompting an immediate investigation by officials.
An inspection team, including the Inspecting Officer (Drugs) from the Deputy Drug Controller’s office, rushed to the site on Monday. Upon arrival, they found 1,138 bottles of IFA (Iron and Folic Acid) syrup and folic acid syrup scattered across the area. These medicines, primarily distributed through government health programs, are not meant for sale in the open market.
During the probe, officials found a blue plastic packet with “Durjaynagar Health Sub Center” written on it, raising suspicions about the source of the discarded medicines. Notably, the medicines were not disposed of in bio-waste management packets as per government regulations, further deepening concerns about procedural lapses.
“They found a large quantity of IFA syrup and bottles of folic acid syrup there. During the investigation, a blue plastic packet was found at the site, with ‘Durjaynagar Health Sub Center’ written on it. The medicines were not disposed of in the biowaste management packet as per government regulations,” an official from the inspection team confirmed.
The incident has sparked outrage among the local population, with many questioning how such negligence occurred. “These are medicines meant for the underprivileged. If they were expired, why weren’t they disposed of properly?” a local resident asked.
Authorities have since collected the discarded medicines in the presence of Agartala Municipal Corporation officials, employees, and the general public. An FIR has been filed at the Ramnagar outpost in Durga Chowmuhani.
“The IFA syrup and folic acid syrups are not for sale in the market; they are government-supplied medicines. A proper investigation has been initiated to determine who dumped these medicines and for what purpose,” the official added.
