EDITOR, The Tribune.
With the recent power outage in Nassau, many have suffered material loss, but even more concerning to me are the safety risks involved that many may not even consider.
Many prescription drugs must be stored under 70F and some (eg insulin) must be kept in the refrigerator at very low temperatures.
In a country like ours where BEC has had so many problems, and where we are prone to hurricanes which lead to power outages – sometimes for days at a time – it is imperative that The Bahamas Pharmacy Council ensure that only wholesalers who qualify be given a license to supply drugs.
One of the qualifications should include a backup generator to ensure that medicines are kept safe.
You cannot tell by looking at a bottle of insulin, whether or not it has been sitting in a 40 F or 90 F refrigerator. It takes ethics to be in this kind of business.
Pharmacies and hospitals must ensure that they purchase their wholesale drugs from secure sources (authorised distributors) and from wholesalers with backup generators. The sale of medicines is serious business, and it is imperative that persons who choose to get into the business do it the right way for the benefit and safety of all.
B. WILSON
Nassau,
March 15, 2015.
Comments
ohdrap4 9 years, 1 month ago
easy peasy. i keep some ice in my fridge. When the light goes off i transfer the ice to a cooler and put the insulin there. i can always go to the food store to get more ice.
But, you can buy a specialty box that keeps indulin cool for upt to 48 hours and is used by people who go camping or hiking.
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