With temperatures increasing, the integrity of pharmaceuticals is at stake. The intense heat in Sokoto State poses a significant challenge for pharmacies, as high temperatures can degrade medications, reducing their effectiveness.
Here, pharmacists are not just healthcare providers but also frontline warriors against heat-induced drug degradation.
Local pharmacists are adopting various strategies to ensure their products remain safe and effective for consumers.From high-tech solutions to simple yet effective traditional methods.
ASHENEWS visited some pharmacies in Sokoto state to find out how they store their medicines.
The climate-controlled storage is the first line of defence, is essential for pharmacies to maintain drug efficacy. Air conditioning units are crucial, these units are not just for comfort; they are crucial in maintaining the optimal storage conditions for various medications.
“Without proper climate control, many of our medicines would lose their efficacy” explained Mr. Mudassir Lawal, the owner of Maidoki Sadauki Pharmacy “We store our medicines in the refrigerator and air-conditioned room. Some medicines need to be kept in the refrigerator, while others do not.”
According to Lawal, for temperature-sensitive drugs, like vaccines and biologics ” In this hot weather, we must put Oxytocin injections, T.T injections, and Super Zrcnn injections in the refrigerator to prevent them from melting and spoiling.”
Lawal stores his medicines in an air-conditioned room and refrigerator.
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In contrast, where power outages is not stable, Paddoz P.M Store, own by Mrs. Kemi Toluyemi, explains how she takes extensive measures to maintain a controlled environment for her medications.
“I store the medicines in my shop. I have three ceiling fans and use solar power instead of relying on the power supply, so I always keep the shop at 34°C, which is cool enough for the medicines, no matter how hot it gets outside,” she said.
Toluyemi further explains that she sells medicines to both wholesalers and retailers. ” My shop is always cool to prevent the medicines from melting or losing their effectiveness. The sun is so hot that sometimes it’s hard for me to leave my shop and go outside.”
Also, Shatara Pharmacy, Mr. Usman Shatara said that there is a critical need for proper storage conditions for certain medications.
“When exposed to high temperatures, some chemicals in the medicines can break down and become less effective,” he noted.
Shatara added:” Certain medicines, like Omeprazole and suppositories (such as Dulcolax and Anusol), need to be stored in a refrigerator to stay effective. Without proper cooling, these medications can melt and lose their potency.”
However, the herbal remedies medicines were not left out, owner of Good House Treatment Health Pharmacy, Mr. Malami Muhammad, offers a unique perspective.
“I only sell herbal medicines and I don’t need to store them in a refrigerator or cold room because they are herbs. The heat from the sun cannot melt or spoil them.”
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“Our office has open windows for cross ventilation, which keeps the medicines cool. The heat has no effect on our herbal medicines,” he explained.
Meanwhile, pharmacies in Sokoto are acutely aware of the challenges posed by the extreme heat and are implementing diverse strategies to mitigate its effects.
From herbal remedies that thrive in ventilated environments to sophisticated cooling systems powered by solar energy, these pharmacists are dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of their customers.
