How can effective zones be designed inside a medicine warehouse (such as areas for goods pending examination, released goods and returns)?

Effective zoning is fundamental to preventing medicine mix-ups and cross-contamination. First, each functional area must be clearly physically separated. Separate rooms or solid walls are ideal; if this is not possible, sturdy partitions, barriers or cage trolleys must be used to create clear separation. Second, every area must have prominent, firmly affixed signs naming the area in both Chinese and English, such as “待验区/Quarantine Area”, “合格品区/Approved Stock Area” and “不合格品区/Rejected Stock Area”. Third, the movement of materials between areas must be strictly controlled by procedures. For example, all newly received medicines must first be placed in the quarantine area. They may only be moved to the released goods area after inspection by the quality control department and issue of release authorisation. Any returned, recalled or damaged medicines must be isolated immediately in the non-conforming goods area pending further action.