In 51 vaccination centres of Pune, more than one lakh doses of Covishield vaccine are about to expire, said IMA

According to the Indian Medical Association, more than one lakh doses of Covishield vaccine are likely to expire in 51 vaccination centres in Pune (IMA).

A big supply of Covishield vaccination has been sitting unused in various private hospitals in Pune. According to IMA, the stock will most likely be worthless when it expires in February or March 2022.

According to Dr. Sanjay Patil, Chairman, IMA Hospital Board of India, Pune chapter, “we have data on vaccinations across 51 private vaccination centres where at least one lakh doses of Covishield vaccine are slated to expire.”

Under the national Covid immunisation programme, about 51 out of 110 hospitals and 192 members of the IMA Hospital Board of India Pune chapter started private Covid Vaccination Centres (CVCs). They had bought vaccines and were assisting folks in finishing their vaccination programme.

Dr Patil stated, “We have advised the district collector to replace these vaccines with fresh supplies.”

The Centre has taken note of the situation and has informed all States/UTs that the Union Health Ministry has no objection to States considering exchanging near-expiry vaccine vials from private Covid Vaccination Centres (CVCs). The Centre noted in a communiqué that long-expiry vaccine vials are available with Government CVCs following proper diligence.

The Centre had also stated that no vial of Covid vaccination should be thrown away in government or private CVCs.

“The state, however, has ruled out exchange of the doses that are set to expire and has not even contacted us over the issue, Dr Patil said.