AIOCD focuses on bolstering cold chain capabilities for COVID-19 vaccines

• AIOCD has asked its members to ensure that the cold chain storage facility is in place from their side
• The association soon write to the PMO and Health Ministry asking for technical assistance for its members.
• It aims to ensure an equipped and prepared workforce for ensuring proper implementation of the Covid vaccination programme.

THD NewsDesk, New Delhi: The All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD) has recently redirected its focus towards improving cold chain storage facilities. To implement the same, AIOCD has instructed its members to ensure that their refrigerators are fully functional, supported with power backup. 

Rajiv Singhal, General Secretary, AIOCD commented, “We are making all efforts to convince the government to utilise our trade channel for distribution of COVID-19 vaccines which is likely to be available in India shortly. A population of 130 crores of the country would be waiting for vaccine cover. Considering the supply chain issues which have been anticipated by the experts of the industry as well as the government bodies, we have asked our members to ensure that their refrigerator is in full working condition with power backup.”

“Besides this, we intend to organise a seminar at the local level with the help of chief medical officers/district health officers to educate our pharmacist members to upgrade their skills required for COVID-19 vaccine storage. We are also planning to identify qualified pharmacists who can extend their services by enhancing their knowledge through seminars for administering COVID-19 vaccines,” he added.

Planning to inform the Central government about its aim to build a strong workforce that could facilitate the Covid vaccine programme, AIOCD wishes to write to the Health Ministry and PMO. Through the letter, the association has made a plea to the government for the provision of technical assistance to its members.

The letter states, “We, as pharmacists and chemists, have the duty to cooperate with the local and state governments to provide COVID-19 vaccines to the public. Some important aspects needed to ensure that requires vaccine storage at +2 degree C to +8 degree C temperature range throughout production, storage and delivery stages. It is important to note that COVID vaccines may also require temperature less than -20 degree C. We are being Jan Swasthya Rakshak chemists of the country, serving the nation by providing medicines to every nook and corner of the country,” stated in the letter.

Further, AIOCD has asked its members to check whether their facility complies with cold chain requirements for the storage of COVID-19 vaccine. Moreover, recognising the supply chain issues that may create obstacles, AIOCD has urged pharmacists to voluntarily secure the proper administration of Covid vaccine in their area.  

Source: Express Pharma