Storage norms

• For every ten lakh population, provision should be made for the storage of about 45 cartons (of 20 boxes each), of Patient-wise Boxes (PWBs) for new cases (PC-1) and PWBs for retreatment cases (PC-2) taken together.
• This is approximately equivalent to 6 months requirement of drugs. For this volume of drugs, the minimum space requirement may be approximated as 50 cubic feet.
• For loose drugs, space provision would be 10% of space allocated to PC-1 and PC-2 PWB cartons. These could alternatively be stored in cupboards/ almirahs where volumes are low and should be kept under lock and key. Do not stack drug cartons on the floor or on top of one another.

• The store should preferably comprise one large room. Where multiple rooms exist, these should be contiguous or proximate to each other.
• The ceiling must have a height of at least 5 metres.
• There should be a lockable door and at least one window with a grill and wire meshing.
• Properly lit with extra light points for plugging in the required office equipment.
• An even-level, ‘pukka’ floor.

• Ensure that different drug/ consumable items are clearly segregated and stacked on separate racks.
• Different batches of drugs with different dates of manufacture and expiry are stored separately to facilitate FEFO principles (drug batches with the most recent expiry are issued first)
• Mark ‘Expiry Dates’ in Bold Letters 3” to 4” in size, on the drug cartons with a marker pen, for easy identification and control of drugs immediately on their arrival.
• Separate and dispose of damaged or expired products without delay as soon as approval of the same has been received, according to the biomedical waste guidelines.

• To keep humidity levels below the maximum 60% recommended for storage of drugs ensure appropriate ventilation and air circulation, and do not open cartons/ drug boxes unless necessary.
• Hydro thermometers are to be installed up to TB Unit (TU) drug store levels to monitor humidity and temperature regularly.
• Overhead exhaust fan required.
• Plastered walls and ceiling with whitewash without any kind of seepage in the room.
• The store should be clean, dry and well-ventilated.
• Ceiling and sidewalls should preferably be insulated, ensuring that the ambient temperature during peak summer does not result in damage to anti-TB drugs. The ambient temperature may be taken as 15-25°C or depending on climatic conditions, up to 30°C.
• PWBs/ cartons should be placed on shelves ensuring that there is sufficient space between shelves and walls of the storeroom.
• A regular power supply should be available for air conditioning.

• Shade the windows or use curtains if they are in direct sunlight.
• Keep products in cartons/ drug boxes.
• Do not store or pack products in sunlight.
• Maintain trees around the premises of the drug store to help provide shade and cooling. Check their condition regularly to prevent any untoward incidents.

• Store medical supplies separately, away from rodents, insecticides, chemicals, old files, office supplies and other materials.
• Stores should not have any odour or indications of contamination and should be sanitised periodically including pest control measures.

Appropriate anti-TB drug storage conditions include keeping drugs away from direct sunlight, maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity and following a FEFO approach.