Which temperature zone of the cold chain system in India is maintained at -15°C to -25°C?
- A Walk-in freezers at national and state GMSDs ✓
- B Primary vaccine stores at state level
- C District cold chain point using ice-lined refrigerators
- D Sub-centre cold boxes during outreach sessions
Correct answer: A. Walk-in freezers at national and state GMSDs
Explanation
Walk-in Freezers (WIF) at national Government Medical Store Depots (GMSDs) and state primary vaccine stores operate at -15°C to -25°C, primarily for long-term storage of OPV and other freeze-requiring vaccines. Walk-in coolers (WIC) operate at +2°C to +8°C. Ice-lined refrigerators (ILRs) at district/block levels maintain +2°C to +8°C. Cold boxes used in outreach sessions maintain +2°C to +8°C for limited periods. The -15°C to -25°C range is unique to walk-in freezers at higher tiers of the cold chain.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.