Publication:

Assessment of cold chain and vaccine management practices in cold chain points of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh: a cross-sectional study

Background To maintain the immunization effectiveness, and uninterrupted availability of vaccine, functional cold chain is required. This can be achieved by continuous monitoring and supervision. The objective was to assess the functionality and monitoring of cold chain points of Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh.

Methods A cross-sectional study conducted in the month of January 2021 in 15 old and new cold chain points, which were selected randomly from all the five blocks of district. Block level “supportive supervision of cold chain and vaccine management” checklist was used to collect the data. The data was presented in frequency and percentages.

Results The key findings were shortage of staff, irregular review of temperature records and irregular cold chain point monitoring. Other gaps included failure to record monitoring visits and the improper positioning of ice packs and cold chain equipment.

Conclusions There were shortfalls in the fundamental elements of cold chain, which call for immediate action from the authorities.