Shortage of Vaccines Increases Death Toll In Capital

Children are dying in Delhi hospitals because of an acute shortage of vaccines for preventable diseases. The blame is on the government which has not been able to meet the demand for vaccines. It takes three months for the consignment to arrive after the order has been placed. Because of this, the death toll has increased significantly. At the Capitals Kalavati Saran Hospital, 44 children have died in 2008-09 because of these preventable diseases. Another 27 children died in Safdarjung hospital due to lack of vaccines.

The extent of shortage is of a whopping 17 crore and is increasing every year. The shortfall of requirement and procurement was around 14.5 per cent in 2008-09, and has deteriorated in 2009-10 to a shortfall of 22 per cent.

The basic problem is because of closure of the vaccine producing public sector units by the government. Re-opening of these units hasn't happened and the dependence on the private sector has grown.

Immediate action needs to be taken as this is some issue that can be taken care of if the government puts in effort.