Electronic vaccine logistics system to improve vaccine coverage

From a Correspondent

TEZPUR, July 18: The opening of successful digitization of vaccine stocks and installation of temperature loggers for remote temperature monitoring at all vaccine storage points in Sonitpur district was initiated on Tuesday at the Tezpur Medical College and Hospital (TMCH), Tumuki.

The iugural ceremony was attended by Dr. Ratul Deka,  Superintendent, TMCH, Dr Phani Sarmah, Deputy Superintendent, TMCH, Dr. P. Kalita, Head of the Department of Pediatrics, TMCH; Dr. D. Devi, Associate Professor, Pediatric Determent, TMCH, Dr. Biman Sharma, District Immunization Officer, Sonitpur and staff from District Health Society and Senior Nursing of TMCH. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is currently rolling out an innovative electronic vaccine intelligence network called eVIN which aims to support the Government of India’s Universal Immunization Programme by providing real-time information on vaccine stocks and flows, and storage temperatures across 715 vaccine stores and cold chain points in 27 districts of Assam. The project covers two major areas of intervention of use of mobile based app by cold chain handlers to get real time stock updates to ensure timely availability of vaccines, installation of SIM-ebled temperature loggers to capture temperature information of Cold Chain Equipment where vaccines are stored.

In Sonitpur district, more than 80 vaccine store-keepers and cold chain handlers have been trained on mobile based application. These trained cold chain handlers are using the mobile based app regularly to update their vaccine stocks and make use of this information for efficient magement of vaccines.

Attending the programme, Dr. Phani Phathok, Additiol Chief Medical and Health Officer, Sonitpur and Neeladri Bora, Regiol Project Officer, UNDP shared their experiences on streamlining the vaccine flow network, and eVIN as a powerful contribution to strengthening health systems by ensuring equity through easy and timely availability of vaccines to all children. In Sonitpur district, nearly 55 temperature loggers will be installed at over 41 vaccine cold chain points for accurate temperature review. This will help to secure the quality and potency of vaccines.