While the drug control authorities in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharastra and Gujarat are going ahead with the decision to make air-conditioning compulsory in the premises of chemist shops while issuing new licenses, Kerala and Tamil Nadu Drug Controllers prefer a wait and watch policy to study the practical side of implementation, similar to their counterpart in Karnataka.

According to T.P.Gopinathan, Drug Controller of Kerala, mandating A/C was not an immediate priority to the state, as he was in the process of incorporating certain standard operative procedures to improve services and infrastructure of medical shops in the state. Since Kerala has salubrious climate round the year, and the temperature never going beyond the 30-34 degree Celsius even during summer, it was not an urgent priority to hasten mandatory air-conditioning. The department officials are constantly monitoring whether the shops adhere to rules like refrigerators running round the clock, shops keep certain drugs in refrigerators that require below room temperature etc., said the Kerala official.

According to V.Somnath, Drug Controller (in-charge), Tamil Nadu, his department would have to consider geographical and other factors before considering such a provision that require elaborate study before implementation. "Geography of Tamil Nadu itself needs to be considered before considering such a provision. We have hot places in some districts, and there are hilly places like Ooty and Kodaikanal where normal temperature is less than 15-20 degree Celsius for most of the time. So all these aspects have to be well studied before considering the requirement of enforcing mandatory air-conditioners or warmers. We don't want to exert unnecessary pressure on the trade, and at present we are not considering any such provision" said the Tamil Nadu DC.

According to sources with the Tamil Nadu Chemists and Druggists Association, if implemented, such a decision would further hit trade in the state. "We are fighting for our survival due to unethical competition, less margin, mounting operational costs and a host of other problems. We have been asking the Government to give us some relief at least in the form of a subsidy in power tariff, but so far unheeded. If the Government decides to mandate air-conditioning, it is sure to further burden us".

"In places like Chennai city, air conditioning would require huge investments. In rural areas, many promoters may not be able to afford air-conditioned premises. Therefore, the government should consider all these factors before considering such a decision. However, we have been educating our members on the need to set up high standards in pharmacy practices considering the future," said N.Anandan, general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Chemists and Druggists Association.