To mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic through intervention of effective immunisation and considering the likelihood of introduction of vaccine against COVID-19 in near future, the District Health Mission of Ukhrul and Kamjong had issued a circular to ensure the vaccine and cold chain preparedness at all levels in the districts.
District immunization officer of Kamjong and Ukhrul districts, Dr Kapangring A Shimray informed this IFP correspondent that there are 10 Cold Chain Points (CCP) in Kamjong and Ukhrul districts.
“To ensure functioning of the 10 CCP, the project officers operation, vaccine cold chain manager (VCCM), Ukhrul of eVIN, UNDP, accompanied by CCT Ukhrul will conduct supervisory visit to all the 10 CCPs including DVS from September 24 onwards till October 15. The visiting report will be submitted to his office preferably by October 20,” said Dr Kapangring.
He also stated that the parameters will consist of all non functional cold chain equipment (CCE) which should be checked and repaired and made functional, and the down time for preparing non functional equipment should be maintained as per norms. The distribution of CCE should be rationalised and CCPs should have required CCE and the readiness of site for installation of new CCE (ILR & DF) should be done beforehand. Each CCE should have a functional temperature maintaining device (eVIN Loggers/thermometer), he added.
The doctor informed that all concerned staff will be trained in vaccine and cold chain handling and management. He further said that the ‘Task Force Meeting’ will be organised at all districts and blocks level and agenda of cold chain preparedness will be discussed for further follow up action. Standard stock and distribution registers should be in place and used along with eVIN, he added.
While saying that recording and reporting mechanisms are to be strengthened and alternate plans for cold chain and dry storage be prepared for any emergency situation, he added that the measure will be taken up seriously, in pursuance of the letter issued by the Ministry of Home and Family Welfares, Government of India.
