The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has provided calibration services to heath facilities in Northern Mindanao to ensure accurate temperature readings for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine storage in the region.
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” de la Peña said the DOST-X Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL) provided calibration services to help ensure the smooth implementation of the country’s vaccination program.
"It is required that the temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius is maintained while the vaccines are stored, otherwise, these vaccines become ineffective. Hence, the importance of maintaining well-calibrated storage facilities,” he said during his weekly report on Friday, March 26.
He said as of March 20, 2021, the DOST-X RSTL already calibrated nine biorefrigerators, three refrigerators, one freezer, and 13 wall and dial thermometers from various health facilities in Northern Mindanao.
The DOST-X RSTL’s has extended calibration services to the following health offices and hospitals: PHO Misamis Oriental, Capital Compound in Cagayan de Oro City; Misamis Oriental Provincial Hospital in Initao, Misamis Oriental; Rural Health Unit, Balingasag in Misamis Oriental; Municipal Health Office, Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon; and Misamis Oriental Provincial Hospital in Initao, Misamis Oriental.