THATTA: The Peoples Primary Health Initiative (PPHI) managers dumped a large quantity of expired drugs and other paraphernalia worth more than Rs100,000 near Sheedi Goth in Makli on Wednesday. The hazardous and irresponsible disposal of drugs came to light only after the villagers staged a protest.

A team of journalists visited the village after the villagers’ protest and found the dumped medicines which included tablets, syrups, bandages, cannulas, syringes and glucose.

The villagers told the team if the PPHI had such a huge quantity of drugs why it kept it from deserving patients who were often seen running from pillar to post to get the free medicines. They demanded the government take strict action against the officials involved in the irresponsible act.

PPHI District Manager Abdul Gaffar Surhyo said that some of the dumped drugs had expired over the past four years and were worth less than Rs100,000. A waste management team had been formed for the disposal of expired drugs.

District Health Officer Dr Zahoor Memon said that under the procedure for disposal of expired drugs, the PPHI management was bound to utilise all drugs available in the bulk store.