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

Abstract

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, placement of cold chain equipment and ice packs not as per the guidelines, irregular monthly review of temperature, and periodic monitoring with available documentation. Conclusions: There were shortfalls in the basic components of cold chain which requires immediate attention from the officials.