Expired medicines found dumped in garbage heap in Faridkot; probe ordered

In a shocking case of alleged medical negligence and possible mismanagement of government healthcare supplies, a large quantity of expired medicines and biomedical waste — allegedly meant for poor patients — were found dumped in a garbage heap near the New Grain Market in Faridkot today.

Acting swiftly on information received from local residents and sanitation workers, the civil surgeon of Faridkot ordered an immediate investigation. A special team has been formed under the supervision of senior medical officer (SMO) Dr Paramjit Singh Brar and the district drug inspector, along with two pharmacists. The team visited the site and has started a detailed inquiry.

According to sources, not only were expired drugs found strewn across the garbage dump, but some prescription slips and medical bills were also recovered from the site. These documents reportedly link the medicines to Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, which operates under the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences.

Officials suspect that these medicines may have been part of the government supply meant for free distribution to underprivileged patients at government hospitals. Instead of being dispensed or disposed of properly, they were allegedly dumped after expiry.

Officials say that this incident raises serious concerns about stock mismanagement, lack of auditing, and possible dereliction of duty within the hospital system. In some cases, such expired drugs could pose biohazard risks if accessed by rag pickers or stray animals.

Speaking to the media, Dr Brar confirmed, “The civil surgeon has formed a team, including myself, the drug inspector, and pharmacists to investigate this incident. We have also involved other relevant departments. Whatever facts come to light, strict legal action will follow.”

Medical waste management in India is governed by strict rules under the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, which require hospitals to segregate, treat and dispose of medical waste through authorised agencies. The unauthorised dumping of biomedical material, especially expired drugs, not only violates these norms but also poses serious public health risks.

The investigation team is expected to review hospital inventory records, medicine issue logs, and surveillance footage (if any) from disposal zones. Authorities have hinted that responsibility will be fixed and disciplinary as well as legal action will be taken against those found guilty, said the authorities in the health department.