The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has promised action against the retail chemists who choose to stock items like chocolates and cold drinks in the refrigerator while leaving the temperature sensitive drug products outside and leaving them exposed to high temperature.

Sources said the CDSCO had already issued direction to all State Drug Controllers to keep a tab on the chemist shops in their regions and prevent such instances, especially during the summer period in the northern regions. The drug inspectors had been asked to inspect such practices and report them for action, sources added.

The practice of retail chemists, who also sell items other drugs, were found to be storing cold drinks and chocolates in the refrigerator while temperature sensitive medicines like insulin were left outside due to paucity of space.

Apart from reducing the efficacy of the drugs, the careless attitude of druggists has also turned heat on the manufacturers indirectly. When samples are picked up, tested and found to be sub-standard, the State Drug Authorities blame and prosecute manufacturers only, it was pointed out.

The Delhi Medical Association has also recently issued an advisory to its member doctors, drug store owners and the public on proper storage of medicines during the summer days so that drug could be effective. No drug should be exposed to sunlight of temperature higher than 26 degree Celsius, the advisory said.

Amid reports that many drugs including insulin and vaccines either causing adverse reactions or proving less effective due to continuous exposure to hot temperature, the association has asked the members to specially take care of insulin, vaccine, eye drops, antibiotics and the drugs and pills containing hormones.

Though the rains have started in the Southern States, the northern States are still reeling under scorching heat, making preservation of drugs sensitive.