Yogyakarta, March 16, 2025 – Students from the Professional Pharmacist Study Program (PSPA) at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), successfully carried out a community service activity, providing education on DAGUSIBU (Get, Use, Store, and Dispose) medicine correctly. The event took place in RT 06 Kadirojo 1, Purwomartani, Kalasan, Sleman, Yogyakarta, and was attended by 34 participants from the PKK mothers’ group.
This outreach aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of obtaining legal and safe medicines, using them according to the recommended dosage, storing them correctly to maintain their effectiveness, and properly disposing of expired medicines to prevent negative environmental and health impacts. The activity was initiated by four UGM PSPA students from the February 2025 intake, Fadhilia Wahyu Tiana, Archangela Audreys, Cintia Tiara Putri, and Nafissatus Sa’diyah, under the guidance of Dr. apt. Indah Purwantini, M.Si., as the supervisor. The educational material included detailed guidance on how to obtain quality-assured medicines, use medicines as directed (including antibiotics and consultations for pregnant/breastfeeding mothers), proper storage methods (cool, dry place, original packaging), and appropriate disposal methods for expired or damaged medicines to prevent misuse and environmental impact. The event was interactive, with Q&A sessions and quizzes, and received positive feedback from participants who found the information on medicine disposal particularly useful.
This community service initiative is closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The activity directly contributes to SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being by improving public health literacy regarding safe and rational medicine use, and promoting the prevention of negative impacts from improper medicine disposal. Through outreach and the dissemination of practical information, this program also supports SDG 4, Quality Education, ensuring the transfer of relevant and practical knowledge from academia to the community. Furthermore, educating on proper medicine disposal to avoid environmental contamination reflects a commitment to SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, encouraging better waste management practices.
It is hoped that similar outreach activities can continue to be conducted to increase public awareness and understanding of safe medicine use and management, while also strengthening the role of pharmacists as agents of health education and promotion. This activity also serves as a tangible manifestation of the integration of education with community service by the UGM Faculty of Pharmacy PSPA, helping students develop communication skills, leadership, and a deeper understanding of the pharmacist’s role in daily community life.
Contributors:
- Fadhilia Wahyu Tiara
- Archaengela Audreys Reffriandi
- Cintia Tiara Putri
- Nafissatus Sa’diyah
