Daltonganj: Government health facilities across the three districts of Palamu division — Palamu, Garhwa and Latehar — have been without the life-saving Rotavirus vaccine since April this year, sources said. The vaccine, crucial in preventing severe infant dehydration and diarrhoea, is currently unavailable across the division.
Confirmation of Shortage
Dr S K Ravi, head of the regional vaccine cold chain in Daltonganj and Palamu district reproductive child health officer (DRCHO), confirmed the shortage. “The regional vaccine cold chain in Daltonganj received 10,800 doses of Rotavirus vaccine in April this year,” Ravi said. He further stated that the stock was then distributed across the three districts. However, sources claimed the April consignment was insufficient for the needs of the districts. One vial contains only two doses, meaning a single vial can cover just two infants up to 1 year of age at a time.
Supply Chain Details
The Daltonganj cold chain supplies Rotavirus and other vaccines to government health facilities across the division, including district hospitals, referral hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals and community health centres. Rotavirus vaccine supplies are routed from the state health department in Ranchi. “It is more than a month since we received Rotavirus vaccine from the state health department in Ranchi. We have reported this serious matter to the concerned officers,” Ravi added.
Impact on Infants
Garhwa civil surgeon Dr John F Kennedy expressed concern, stating, “A kid up to 1 year is to get 3 doses of the vaccine. We are looking forward to the arrival of the consignment of the vaccines here through the Daltonganj-based regional vaccine cold chain if and when it gets doses of it from Ranchi.” The vaccine is crucial in preventing severe infant dehydration and diarrhoea, and its unavailability poses a significant health risk to young children in the region.
About the Author: MF Ahmad covers Palamu and Latehar districts and writes extensively on wildlife and human interest stories.
