How immunization clinic and cold chain point are organized and functioning? – Status of a tertiary care hospital, West Bengal

Abstract

Background: Universal immunization program is one of the large public health programs in our country which plays very crucial role to improve child's health and reduce infant and under-five mortality. Aim: The study was planned to determine the organization of the immunization clinic and cold chain point and to assess the managerial problems and finding out probable solutions. Materials and Methods: It was an observational study done in 2016 in the immunization clinic of Medical College, Kolkata. A predesigned and pretested data collection form, relevant registers and records, a checklist of Government of India was used for collecting data. Interviewing different stakeholders, examination or records, and observation of functions was done. Results: The study revealed few major issues like lack of knowledge and motivation among the staffs. Limited supervision by the higher authority and uneven supply chain especially for Vitamin A was also highlighted. Conclusion: Priority analysis found that the most priority issue of the immunization clinic was the lack of knowledge of the Public Health Nurses and Junior Doctors. Hence, most suitable intervention was to arrange a training session for the Doctors and the nurses. The detailed action plan and budget regarding the training activity were also calculated. Clinical Significance: Success of Universal Immunization Programme depends on cold chain planning, maintaining and evaluation of temperature-sensitive vaccination program. Hence, the present study of cold chain organization and functioning is immensely important repeatedly over time.

Keywords

• cold chain point
• gap assessment
• immunization clinic
• west bengal