Odisha’s State Vaccine Store Becomes First in India to Receive ISO 9001:2015 Certification for Quality Management

Bhubaneswar: In a historic achievement, the State Vaccine Store of Odisha has become the first in India to receive the ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). This prestigious certification underscores Odisha’s commitment to maintaining world-class standards in vaccine storage, cold chain management, and supply chain efficiency.

The certification was awarded in recognition of the State Vaccine Store’s adherence to key quality standards, including a well-structured storage system, efficient cold chain management, seamless supply chain operations, and digitized record-keeping through online software. The facility ensures quality maintenance through rigorous temperature checks conducted twice daily and a remarkable achievement of zero vaccine wastage. The dedication of the health department staff and frontline health workers has played a crucial role in securing this milestone.

Cold chain management and vaccine transportation form the backbone of Odisha’s immunization programme, which operates through a robust network of 1,263 cold chain centers, including one state vaccine store, nine regional vaccine stores, and 32 district vaccine stores. This extensive system ensures that vaccines are stored at optimal temperatures and safely transported to beneficiaries across the state. A dedicated workforce manages the daily supply chain, ensuring efficient and secure vaccine distribution.

Each year, the State Vaccine Store handles approximately 2.36 crore doses to meet the immunization needs of 9.4 lakh pregnant women, 7.9 lakh infants, and 28 lakh adolescents. The focus on safe storage and last-mile delivery has been instrumental in making Odisha a leader in immunization quality management.

Further strengthening the state’s position in vaccine management, seven regional and 22 district vaccine stores in Odisha have also been awarded ISO 9001:2015 certification.