Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has made a significant appeal to the central government, calling for a specific financial provision to combat cervical cancer in the upcoming Union Budget. She emphasized that timely vaccination could prevent the deaths of hundreds of thousands of girls across the nation.
A Strategic Platform for a Crucial Appeal
Governor Patel put forward this urgent request on Saturday while addressing the 21st convocation ceremony of King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow. She noted that the presence of Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and other senior advisers created an ideal platform to highlight this critical public health issue.
Patel underscored the life-saving potential of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, stating that a dedicated budgetary allocation would be a monumental step in safeguarding the health of India's daughters.
Raj Bhavan's Proactive Health Initiatives
Highlighting her office's commitment to healthcare, the Governor provided a detailed account of the welfare measures undertaken from the Raj Bhavan since she assumed office in 2019. She revealed that financial assistance totalling Rs 854 crore has been disbursed directly to patients in need, ensuring support reaches the most vulnerable.
Further detailing her administration's efforts, she spoke about a major initiative for tuberculosis patients. Under this program, approximately 4 lakh TB patients across Uttar Pradesh have been adopted for care and support.
In the specific fight against cervical cancer, Governor Patel informed the gathering that vaccination drives worth Rs 11 crore have already been initiated. These efforts have led to the vaccination of around 40,000 girls, providing them with crucial protection against the disease.
A Call for Compassion and Preventive Healthcare
Addressing the graduating doctors, Governor Patel reminded them that medicine is a service-oriented profession laden with moral responsibility. She advised the medical fraternity to practice with compassion, sensitivity, and honesty, stressing that maintaining trust in doctor-patient relationships is paramount.
She also highlighted the growing importance of preventive healthcare, medical research, and the adoption of healthy lifestyles. Patel pointed to national initiatives like Yoga, Khelo India, and the Healthy India campaign as successful models that have contributed significantly to improving public health outcomes.
The Governor's appeal adds substantial weight to the growing demand for making cervical cancer vaccination a central pillar of India's public health strategy, potentially shaping crucial discussions in the forthcoming budget session.
