Report on Cold Chain Assessment of Jharkhand - 2005 - Nccvmtc.org

Cold Chain Assessment in Jharkhand! There are no government-initiated technician training programmes. No training has beenimparted for handling solar refrigerators and CFC-free equipment.! At most sites, there is no proper waste disposal method. Broken/used vials and syringesare scattered on the premises.! Personnel handling cold chain have not received sufficient training. In some cases theincumbent has received no training at all. The lack of training is visible not only in vaccinehandling and thermostat adjustments but also routine maintenance and lack of wastedisposal practices.! Recordkeeping is poor whether it has to do with vaccine stocks or temperature monitoring.There is no record of damaged stocks.1.2. RecommendationsBased on the field assessment, ITPI makes the following recommendations:1.2.1. Equipment! Assign and train a team of maintenance technicians with adequate operational budget, oroutsource maintenance services.! Restructure plan for dual mode (solar/electricity) refrigerators and rationalize distribution.! All CFC machines which are non-operational should not be repaired and should be removedfrom the inventory.! 29 CFC-free machines which are not functioning because they have not been repairedshould be repaired immediately.! Procure 30 voltage stabilisers each of 1 KVA capacity to meet the current deficit in thecold chain. Procure additional stabilisers (approx 10% of requirement, 40 units) for purposesof replacement are schedule repair of the 100 units currently out of service.! Adopt a plan for disposal of obsolete/”beyond repair” equipment and draw up an equipmentreplacement schedule.! A preventive maintenance plan should be drawn up and implemented.! Rationalize assignment of equipment and adopt a 5-year equipment procurement plan.! Pursue WHO accreditation for Effective Vaccine Store Management (EVSM) for centralstore of the state.1.2.2. Management and Logistics! Prevent freezing of freeze-sensitive vaccines! Revamp vaccine management and stock control system in accordance with WHOrecommendedprocedures.! Adopt and implement a waste management plan.! Examine vaccine transport facilities afresh and make budgetary allocations.1.2.3. Personnel! Motivate personnel through regularizing payment of salaries etc.6