U-WIN Portal Set for Pan-India Launch by August

Currently, the U-WIN platform is in pilot mode across all states and Union Territories, except West Bengal, which has yet to begin uploading data.

The U-WIN portal, modeled after the COVID-19 vaccine management system Co-WIN, is preparing for a nationwide launch by the end of August, according to official sources.

This new platform aims to maintain an electronic registry of routine immunizations under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).

Currently, the U-WIN platform is in pilot mode across all states and Union Territories, except for West Bengal, which has yet to begin uploading data.

Officials noted that the state is still considering its participation. The U-WIN system is designed to capture every vaccination event for pregnant women and children under the UIP.

Government Initiative & Coverage

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the interim Budget for 2024-2025 that U-WIN, along with efforts under Mission Indradhanush, will be rolled out nationwide to manage immunization.

An official explained, "The U-WIN will ensure timely administration of vaccine doses by digitally recording every vaccination event among all pregnant women and children aged 0-5 years."

The platform aims to target 2.9 Cr pregnant women and 2.6 Cr infants annually by providing 11 vaccines against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, including diphtheria, measles, rubella, and tetanus.

These vaccinations will be administered through more than 1.2 Cr sessions across the country.

Benefits of the U-WIN Platform

The U-WIN platform will generate a uniform QR-based, digitally verifiable e-vaccination certificate, similar to the COVID vaccination certificate, which citizens can access with a single click.

Currently, vaccination records under UIP are maintained manually. The digital platform will eliminate the need for physical record-keeping, digitize session planning, and update vaccination statuses in real-time.

An official noted, "There is currently no mechanism for individual tracking, and there is a lack of awareness among beneficiaries about session locations and dates, especially in urban areas. There is also inequality in immunization coverage across states and UTs. Another significant issue is that immunization at private health facilities is not recorded."

The U-WIN portal will serve as the single source of information for immunization services. It will record pregnancy details and outcomes, newborn registration, immunization at birth, vaccination statuses, and delivery outcomes in real-time.

As of July 9, 2024, the pilot phase has registered 5.33 Cr beneficiaries on U-WIN, digitally conducted over 83.55 lakh vaccination sessions, and recorded 18.15 Cr vaccine doses.

Reducing Zero-Dose & Left-Out Children

The platform aims to reduce the number of zero-dose and left-out children through a name-based tracking mechanism. It empowers citizens with access to vaccination services anytime, anywhere, which is particularly beneficial for migratory populations.

Citizens can self-register for vaccinations via the U-WIN web portal or its Android mobile application, select preferred vaccination centers, and schedule appointments.

Automated SMS alerts will inform citizens about registration confirmations, administered doses, and upcoming dose reminders, ensuring timely and age-appropriate vaccinations.

The U-WIN portal will also facilitate the creation of Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs for comprehensive health record maintenance.

Additionally, it will support frontline workers in digitally recording all vaccination events for children and pregnant women, ensuring complete, accurate, and easy record maintenance.