Consultancy for Supply Chain Assessment of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) on a Pilot Basis in Uttar Pradesh State

About Client

Universal Immunization Programme is a vaccination program launched by the Government of India in 1985 and is currently one of the key areas under National Rural Health Mission(NRHM) since 2005. The program now consists of vaccination for 12 diseases- tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, Hepatitis B, Diarrhoea, Japanese Encephalitis, rubella, Pneumonia( Heamophilus Influenza Type B)and Pneumococcal diseases (Pneumococcal Pneumonia and Meningitis). UIP is one of the key interventions for protection of children from life threatening conditions by providing vaccination. The new lifesaving vaccines play a key role in reducing the childhood and infant mortality and morbidity in the country. The government seeks to ensure that the benefits of vaccination reach all sections of the society, regardless of social and economic status.

Project Description

SAMS undertook this assessment project in May 2010 to carry out a situational analysis of the Universal Immunisation Programme’s supply chain. The project required SAMS to cover one GMSD situated at Karnal, one state Warehouse, 15 district Warehouses including 2 PHC’s/CHC’s each per district in UP states and study capacity verses volumes related issues. The assessment was required to study the warehouse management systems and processes. This pilot project was undertaken to assess the vaccine supply chain management and assess adequacy, operation & maintenance of the cold chain required for storage of vaccines. The study also included checking the storage conditions of vaccines at the warehouses visited along with the infrastructure required in terms of human resource and their training needs. Relevant Data for vaccine supplies to State and districts in U.P. was collected from UIP Division, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi and from Health Directorate, Lucknow. The value of the project was approximately Rs.20 Lakhs. Structured questionnaires were prepared for discussions and interviews with health officials engaged in transportation, storage, reporting and recording, to assess their knowledge and understand practices being followed in the field. Review Teams comprising of Supply Chain Experts, Cold Chain Experts and Engineers were deputed. Visits were undertaken by SAMS Team to the selected districts and 2 PHCs/CHCs and sub-centres, wherever possible.