Improper handling and disposal of leftover medications at the household level represent critical public health and environmental challenges, compromising patient safety and leading to substantial healthcare resource waste. Recognizing the vital role of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs)—the primary frontline healthcare champions with the closest connection to local residents—the Faculty of Pharmacy, Burapha University, initiated this project to bridge academic expertise with grassroots practice. By equipping VHVs with essential pharmaceutical knowledge, the initiative proactively promotes safe medication habits and enhances health literacy throughout the Saen Suk Municipality community.
Project Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wantana Reanmongkol, Pharm.D., Pharmacy Manager of Burapha Pharma Care (BPC)
Objectives:
- To raise awareness and impart accurate knowledge regarding rational drug use and standard leftover medication management.
- To empower primary healthcare personnel (VHVs) to apply pharmaceutical knowledge directly and effectively in their community caregiving duties.
- To expand community outreach by preparing VHVs to serve as trusted health communicators who advise, guide, and cultivate safe medication practices among local households.
Program Activities:
The training program featured interactive lectures and knowledge-sharing sessions delivered by Assistant Professor Dr Phatrawadee Srikun, PhD, R.Ph., and Dr Ngamrayu Ngamdokmai, PhD, Applied Thai Traditional Medicine Practitioner. The sessions focused on practical drug management, identifying expired/unused medications, and interactive discussions. The event also incorporated engaging Q&A activities and educational games, enabling VHVs to internalise key pharmaceutical principles and confidently translate them into actionable community guidance.
Expected Outcomes (Impacts):
- Enhanced Medication Safety: Reduced health hazards arising from improper drug use, including the consumption of expired medicines, duplicate therapies, and unauthorised medication sharing.
- Robust Grassroots Health Network: Established an empowered, credible community surveillance network led by VHVs who can provide sound initial advice on medication management.
- Environmental Hazard Reduction: Decreased chemical contamination from pharmaceutical residues entering municipal waste systems and natural water bodies due to improper disposal.
- Economic & Resource Efficiency: Minimised economic waste from unnecessary drug stockpiling and excessive requests at the household level, helping conserve the national public healthcare budget.
Date of Implementation: Augt 13, 2026
