Study of cold chain and vaccine management system at Urban Health Centres (UHCs) of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) area

Abstract

Introduction: Cold chain is an important component in immunization programme.1) To observe status of various cold chain elements. 2) To assess basic knowledge of cold chain handlers.Materials: A cross sectional study was conducted at all the 56 UHCs of AMC area during August-December, 2011. A check list was prepared with basic details of cold chain equipments, vaccine arrangement and temperature & stock records for evaluation.Results: No single individual is assigned for handling the cold chain system at UHC level. DF (Deep Freeze) was available at 55(98.2%) and ILR (Ice lined refrigerator) was available at 54(96.4%) UHCs. Overall storage capacity of DF was higher (P:0.009). None of UHC had Voltage stabilizer. Internal Thermometer was properly placed in 27(64.3%) of DFs and 24(60%) of ILRs. Alcohol thermometer was more (70%) seen in ILR(P:0.04). Mean temperature of DF was -18.9°C ±7.2°C and of ILR was 4.4°C ±1.8°C. OPV was found more in DF (67.3%, P:0.005). Anti-sera, HIV kits were found in ILR at 22(40.7%) UHCs(P:0.0001). Temperature record book was available at all UHCs whereas stock register was available at 42(75%). Proper defrosting was noted at 34(61.8%) of UHCs. Zip pouch were used uniformly at all the UHCs. Knowledge of conditioning of icepacks(64.3%) and Shake test(14.5%) was poor.Conclusion: Cold chain system at UHC is resourceful and well equipped but had scopes for improvement in vaccines placement. Regular training to cold chain handlers is still emphasized.