The Odisha Health Department has directed district collectors, municipal commissioners, chief district medical and public health officers to remain vigilant following reports of falsified Covishield vaccine and fake vaccination sessions.
In a letter, Additional Chief Secretary of the Heath department, Pradipta Mohapatra said the World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified counterfeit /falsified Covishield vaccines in the South-East Asia and Africa region.
“WHO has identified counterfeit / falsified COVISHIELD vaccines in the South-East Asia and Africa region and in this direction, WHO has taken out Medical Product Alert N°5/2021: Falsified COVISHIELD vaccine on 16th August, 2021,” Mohapatra stated in the circular.
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He said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has communicated to increase the vigilance within the supply chains and carefully authenticate the product and its physical condition before its use.
Mohapatra mentioned that MoHFW have emphasized on the need to guard against unscrupulous activities, especially for special sessions conducted by the Private Hospitals under Near to Home CVC and any such activity reported should be taken seriously and prompt action shall be initiated against such practices.
“You are, therefore, requested to remain vigilant and regularly monitor to avoid such incidences in your district /MC,” he wrote.