England discards 3,400 tons of medicines annually, pharmacy body says

LONDON — England's National Pharmacy Association has reported that around 3,400 tons of partially used and discarded medicines were recorded across the country during the 2024-2025 period. The figure is equivalent in volume to roughly 75 Olympic-size swimming pools, according to the association. The association said the waste adds at least 480 million pounds, or about 647 million dollars, to the annual costs of Britain's National Health Service. NPA Chair Oliver Picard said the waste represents not only a financial loss but also carries environmental and public-health consequences. Picard called for measures to reduce the problem, and officials said planned steps could ease pressure on both the health budget and public health. No further details on specific measures were immediately available.