How is expiry management typically implemented in medical stores?

• A. Regular expiry checks; quarantine expired stock; remove from sale; return to supplier or dispose per policy; update records; notify procurement
• B. Don't check expiry
• C. Only check when stock is low
• D. Replace all stock quarterly

Answer: (A)

Expiry management in medical stores is an ongoing process of monitoring, actions, and records to keep medicines safe and compliant. It starts with regular, systematic checks of all expiry dates across inventory. If a product is near or past its date, it is quarantined to prevent it from being dispensed. Expired stock must be removed from sale and handled according to policy—either returned to the supplier or disposed of following proper guidelines. The inventory records are updated to reflect the status of each batch, and procurement or the supply chain team is notified to adjust future purchasing to reduce waste. This approach protects patient safety, minimizes losses from expired stock, and keeps stock data accurate and compliant with regulations. Checking only when stock is low or replacing all stock on a fixed schedule fails to address actual expiry timelines and can lead to unsafe dispensing or unnecessary waste.