PHI union chief questions efficacy of vaccines due to power cuts

Vaccine stores provided with generators – DDHS

By Rathindra Kuruwita

There was a high probability of anti COVID vaccines being affected due to power cuts, unless the places where they are stored have an uninterrupted power supply, Public Health Inspectors Union (PHIU), Upul Rohana said.

Rohana said that refrigerator units at the MOH offices around the country did not operate during the power cuts.

“Most of these institutions do not have generators. Even institutions that have generators are finding it hard to purchase fuel,” he said.

Rohana said that the Pfizer vaccine has to be stored in very low temperatures.

“We don’t know the temperature of the storing units during power cuts.

But I am sure it’s not optimal conditions to store Pfizer. At this rate, if something happens to the efficacy of the vaccines, more people will become anti-vaxers.

Those in positions of power must think of this,” he said.

Rohana said that a number of health sector unions had asked the government to exempt hospitals from the power cuts imposed due to fuel shortages.

A power cut in excess of four hours would trigger a crisis in the hospitals, Rohana said

“We can have generators, but what happens if a generator breaks down. Do we have backup power sources at all hospitals? This is a serious situation,” he said.

Deputy General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath, contacted for comment said, all vaccine stores had been provided with generators.