Covid-19 vaccine: India begins augmenting its cold chain capacity

While the country already has a huge cold chain set-up, it may not be enough for vaccine delivery

From the lab to the jab, the much awaited Covid-19 vaccine would need continuous sterile refrigeration to remain potent and safe. Hence, both government and private sector players have begun to ramp up capacities in this area.

Experts and industry are divided on their assessment of India’s cold chain capabilities. While some feel that India already has a robust cold chain, thanks to its universal immunisation programme (UIP), others say that existing pharma cold chain capacities may not be adequate. The availability of power in the hinterland is also a concern.

According to rough estimates, nearly 3 billion people in