It’s more than just a technical glitch—it can risk lives.
Many medicines—like vaccines, insulin, and biologics—must be stored between 2°C and 8°C. Even short exposure to heat or freezing can degrade their potency.
If refrigeration fails:
- Medicines may lose effectiveness
- Patients may receive compromised treatment
- Pharmacies face financial loss and legal risk
- Public health can be endangered, especially during immunization drives
Common causes:
- Power outages
- Faulty defrost cycles
- Overloaded fridges blocking airflow
- Poor door seals or misaligned gaskets
Best practices:
- Use purpose-built medical refrigerators
- Install temperature alarms and backup systems
- Keep an emergency transfer plan ready
- Avoid overloading and ensure proper air circulation
MBH/PS