He pointed out all medicinal drugs should be stored below 24 degrees Celsius so as to protect its quality. Since Sri Lanka's temperature is above 24 Celsius the Ministry has decided air conditioning pharmacies compulsory.
He revealed that subjecting a drug to a higher temperature will cause to reduce the efficacy of the drug.
Further the lifespan, and the quality will also be affected.
Temperature can cause chemical reactions in the contents of the medicine, he added.
Therefore air conditioning will be compulsory for all pharmacies.
Hereafter licences will only be issued for new pharmacies only if they are air conditioned whilst pharmacies which already have receiver licences but without air conditioning should comply with the new regulation within six months.
Failing to do so will result in licences not being renewed for next year the spokesman added.
This is being done with a view to protecting the quality and the effect of the drugs, he pointed out.
Daily News
