By Daniyal Anwar
Weather is a natural and real thing. We all know this, but do you know that in a well-known area, Turbat, which is a part of Balochistan, the temperature often exceeds 45°C? This high temperature is negatively affecting the medicines in medical stores, causing substantial losses for the store owners due to the deteriorating quality of their products. Indeed, high temperatures can alter the chemical composition of medicines, reducing their effectiveness.
How does temperature affect drug storage?
When medication is stored in high temperatures, it can undergo harmful chemical reactions, becoming dangerous for patients and the general public. These compromised medicines not only lose their effectiveness but can also produce toxic compounds, increasing the risk of severe side effects. In extreme cases, they can cause hazardous infections. Imagine a patient rushing to the doctor in desperate need of treatment, only to receive damaged medication. Instead of healing, these degraded drugs could worsen their condition. What future does a patient have if the very medicine meant to save them instead endangers their lively life? While medicines can save lives, in Turbat, they are creating diseases. Why?
How does heat alter the effects and quality of medicines?
High temperatures don’t just affect people—they also harm the medicines stored in medical stores and other places. Turbat’s health conditions are already poor, but the heat is making them worse. “Medicine kept in the sun becomes poison when swallowed.” Additionally, improper storage of medicine puts lives at risk. Did you know that in 2024, many people in Balochistan faced tragic losses when their children died due to a virus? The situation is worsened further by the poor quality of locally produced medicines in Turbat. Now, another alarming issue has emerged—the intense heat is degrading these medicines, putting even more lives at risk. During summer, medicines are especially vulnerable because medical stores are often covered with glass, which traps heat, further damaging the medicines inside. Additionally, medicine transportation is very highly cost due to long distance and issue of Turbat’s postal code for the courier companies.
How does heat ruin medicine quality?
Heat can significantly degrade or destroy the quality of medicines, especially those sensitive to temperature. These drugs may undergo physical changes, chemical degradation or become toxic.
How to protect medicines from heat?
Heat, air, light and moisture of turbat weather can all damage medicines. To prevent this, store them in a cool, dry place, such as a dresser drawer, box shelf or closet.
How can we safeguard Turbat’s medicines?
As residents of Turbat, one of the hottest regions in Balochistan, we must recognize that while medicines save lives, extreme heat, light, or expiration dates can render them ineffective. To ensure safety, we must:
- Always check expiration dates,
- Store medicines in a cool, dark place,
- Protect our community from the dangers of spoiled drugs.
Let’s work together to protect Turbat’s people from these health threats by Turbat weather.
