Gujarat Takes Historic Step with Free HPV Vaccination Mega-Campaign
In a landmark move for women's healthcare in India, Gujarat has launched a comprehensive statewide HPV vaccination campaign aimed at protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the nationwide initiative from Ajmer, while the Gujarat-specific launch was conducted virtually from Sola Civil Hospital in Gandhinagar on Saturday.
Government Leadership and Commitment
The event was marked by the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya, underscoring the state government's aggressive stance against cervical cancer. Minister Pansheriya addressed the gathering, highlighting Gujarat's impressive public health achievements, including maintaining polio-free status since 2007.
The minister emphasized that India's transition from importing vaccines to producing them domestically represents the true spirit of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India). He also detailed the government's commitment to healthcare accessibility, revealing that Ayushman card coverage has been doubled from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh to ensure no life is lost due to financial constraints.
Unprecedented Financial Allocation
In what represents a historic allocation for the state's healthcare budget, the Gujarat government has dedicated Rs 150 crore to provide the HPV vaccine completely free of charge. This is particularly significant considering that a single dose typically costs approximately Rs 3,000 in the private market.
This state-funded inclusion into the Universal Immunization Programme, which already sees an annual expenditure of Rs 240 crore, ensures equitable access to life-saving protection. The primary objective is to safeguard 5.50 lakh adolescent girls across Gujarat who are between 14 and 15 years of age from cervical cancer, which remains the second most common cancer among women in India.
Comprehensive Implementation Strategy
To ensure seamless delivery of this ambitious program, the state has activated an extensive infrastructure:
- 2,297 trained vaccination teams deployed across the state
- An equal number of cold chain points established
- Strict temperature maintenance between +2°C and +8°C for vaccine preservation
- Real-time monitoring through TeCHO+ and SAFE-VAC digital portals
Scientific Approach and Public Awareness
Minister Pansheriya issued a strong appeal to citizens to disregard superstitions and misinformation surrounding vaccines, firmly stating that the HPV vaccine is scientifically proven and safe. By specifically targeting HPV-16 and HPV-18 strains, which are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases, Gujarat aims to lead the nation in securing a cancer-free future for its daughters.
This comprehensive vaccination drive represents a significant advancement in preventive healthcare for women in Gujarat, combining substantial financial investment with robust implementation infrastructure and strong political commitment to public health.
