Cold chain maintenance in Rajnandgaon and Bilaspur districts of Chhattisgarh: A process evaluation

BACKGROUND: Cold chain and vaccine logistic is a key driver of immunization program. It has been observed that besides intensification of routine immunization, more strategic interventions are essential to strengthen the different aspects of immunization services like cold–chain management and monitoring/supportive supervision. The present study was considered as a part of ongoing UNICEF funded Project on Supportive Supervision of Routine Immunization in Rajnandgaon and Bilaspur districts undertaken by the Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, and Rajnandgaon with the objectives to assess the background information about cold chain points (CCPs), to observe the vaccine storage and handling practices, and to study the knowledge and practices of VCCH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional facility based study was conducted from August 2017 to February 2018. Among60 CCPs, 48 from Rajnandgaon and 12 from Bilaspur district were considered for analysis. Structured questionnaires as a part of standard tool prescribed by Government of India was used for the collection of required data. RESULT: In 92% CCPs, the temperature of cold chain equipment (CCE) was recorded twice a day. In 93% CCPs, vaccines were correctly stored in ILR. In 75% CCPs, icepacks were correctly stored in DF, 90% vaccine cold chain handler (VCCH) could correctly demonstrate temperature reading from thermometer, 91% could tell about stages of VVM correctly. CONCLUSION: Most CCPs in both districts are doing good enough, and there is a scope of improvement in all the parameters by means of ongoing project of Strengthening of Supportive Supervision of Routine Immunization in both districts. It was evident that Rajnandgaon district scored more than Bilaspur in some parameters related to vaccine storage and handling practices.