Gambaran Sistem Pemusnahan Obat Kadaluwarsa di Logistik Farmasi RSUD Mohammad Natsir Solok Tahun 2025

Expired drugs are a type of pharmaceutical waste that requires special handling because they can pose serious risks to both the environment and public health. If not destroyed in accordance with established procedures, expired drugs have the potential to cause environmental pollution and be misused. This study aims to examine the system of destroying expired drugs in the Pharmaceutical Logistics Unit of Mohammad Natsir Solok Hospital in 2025 through three identified methods: returning drugs to the manufacturer or factory, direct disposal to the landfill (Final Disposal Site), and open burning. The research uses a qualitative approach, with data collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. The study informants include pharmaceutical warehouse officers and employees from the environmental health (Kesling) unit. The results reveal that expired drug destruction is carried out through the three aforementioned methods. However, the implementation is not yet optimal due to limitations in facilities, infrastructure, and coordination between units. Expired drugs are often still stored in the Health Unit before being transported to the Temporary Disposal Site (TPS) for later handover to a third party for destruction. Ideally, the pharmaceutical department should have a dedicated warehouse for storing expired drugs to ensure safe and proper handling. This study underscores the importance of establishing a more effective and environmentally friendly drug destruction system in accordance with applicable regulations. Recommendations include improving inter-unit coordination, providing adequate storage facilities, and prioritizing destruction methods that minimize environmental impact. The findings are expected to serve as an evaluation basis for hospital management to enhance pharmaceutical waste management practices, ensuring they meet both health and environmental safety standards. By implementing these improvements, hospitals can reduce the risks associated with improper disposal of expired drugs while supporting sustainable environmental practices.