Inadequate cooling systems at government warehouses raise concerns over medicine quality in Tamil Nadu
The absence of proper temperature control measures in government drug warehouses across Tamil Nadu is causing significant concerns over the quality of medicines being stored. A recent incident brought to light by a Chennai resident, Nivetha (name changed), highlights the potential impact on public health. She regularly purchased sodium valproate tablets (an antiepileptic) from the Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children in Egmore and noticed that several tablets in each strip were in a viscous state.
After reporting the issue to the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC), a stop-issue and retrieve order was promptly issued for the affected batch. Despite switching to a different manufacturer, the problem persisted, raising concerns about storage conditions.
Lack of Temperature Control
Investigations reveal that the root cause of the issue may lie in the absence of air-conditioning and other temperature-monitoring systems in TNMSC warehouses and government hospital pharmacies. Although these facilities are equipped with cold storage units and Ice-lined Refrigerators (ILRs) for medicines that require specific temperature conditions, medicines stored at room temperature (prescribed to be between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius) are particularly vulnerable.
Despite having large walk-in coolers, none of the 32 drug warehouses across Tamil Nadu are air-conditioned. The two warehouses in Chennai that were inspected had no air-conditioning systems in place. This lack of proper cooling measures during the hot summer months or humid rainy seasons could potentially compromise the quality and effectiveness of drugs.
Drug Rules and Concerns
Officials from the State Drug Control Department noted that air-conditioning is not mandatory under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules. However, the department has advised pharmacies on its importance, though government hospitals are currently exempt from this mandate as they do not sell medicines.
A government doctor cautioned against using tablets that appear liquified due to heat or moisture, noting that such conditions can affect the drug’s efficacy. However, medicines that have slightly disintegrated but remain in solid form may still retain their effectiveness.
Call for Improvement
The Kerala government has made notable progress by introducing air-conditioning in pharmacies at government hospitals, and nearly all pharmacies in the state, even those in Primary Health Centres, now have cooling systems. In contrast, Tamil Nadu’s officials have raised concerns about the costs of air-conditioning large warehouse facilities, but the continued reports of compromised drugs are prompting calls for improvement.
