1mn vaccine doses wasted in state: Data

JAIPUR At a time when the state struggling to meet its vaccine supply demand, districts are unable to keep a check on wastage of the jabs.

According to health department figures, Rajasthan has got over 10.66 million vaccine doses, which include those provided by the Centre and procured by state for 18-44 age population. On an average 7% of these vaccines have gone waste, which is around 1.15 million doses. Though it is below the Centre’s permitted limit of 10%, wastage is a serious concern for the government.

In Rajasthan, five districts account for maxim wastage. Churu district has a net wastage of 39.37%, Hanumangarh (24.60%), Bharatpur (17.13%), Kota (16.71%), and Chittorgarh (11.81%) are with maximum wastage of vaccine,

However, chief medical health officer (CMHO) of a few districts question the wastage figures. Hanumangarh CMHO Dr Navneet Sharma said a total of 2% of Covishield and 12% of Covaxin vaccine are wasted in the district. “The 24.60% figures could be due to the fact that data couldn’t be updated in Cowin application on time.”

Bharatpur CMHO Dr Kaptain Singh said, “We will look into the issue.”

Sriganganagar, Udaipur, Banswara, Jhunjhunu and Jaisalmer have zero wastage. “All those involved in vaccinating people are given training and during the day they are also telephonically reminded to ensure that 10 people are given vaccine doses from a vial, which put them on alert,” Dr HL Tabiyar, CMHO Banswara.