(a) whether spurious vaccines available in hospitals and markets in several
States are the reason behind deaths of a number of children after administering
vaccines;
(b) if so, the details of such cases during the last three years and the
current year, State/UT-wise;
(c) whether the Government proposes to launch a special vigilance programme
including issue of fresh guidelines for vaccination of infants in future; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI SUDIP BANDYOPADHYAY)
(a): No. The vaccines are procured from Drug Controller General of India
DCG(I) licensed government and private manufacturers having cGMP (Current Good
Manufacturing Practice) certificate. Before supply to the States/UTs, these
vaccines are inspected and tested in Central Drug Laboratory, Kasauli. No spurious
vaccines are procured /supplied under the Universal Immunization Programme.
(b): In view of (a), the question dose not arise
(c) & (d): A number of steps have been taken to strengthen the quality of
Vaccination Operational Guidelines for Adverse Event Following Immunization
(AEFI) have been developed and disseminated. In addition, inservice trainings
of medical officers and health personnels are regularly conducted for safe and
effective implementation of the Immunization programme.