PM Modi Launches National HPV Vaccination Drive to Combat Cervical Cancer
Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme on Saturday, marking a pivotal moment in India's public health landscape. The launch took place during his visit to Ajmer, Rajasthan, with the program specifically targeting girls aged 14 years across all States and Union Territories. This initiative is a cornerstone of the government's broader strategy to enhance women's health and promote preventive healthcare nationwide.
Comprehensive Coverage and Free Access
The program is designed to reach approximately 1.15 crore girls annually, providing the HPV vaccine free of cost at designated government health facilities. These include Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Primary Health Centres), Community Health Centres, Sub-District and District Hospitals, and Government Medical Colleges. Vaccination will be entirely voluntary, requiring explicit parental or guardian consent prior to administration. Each vaccination session will be closely supervised by trained medical officers and supported by skilled healthcare teams to ensure safety and efficacy.
Ensuring Safety and Infrastructure Support
To guarantee the integrity of the vaccine supply, all designated sites will be equipped with functional Cold Chain Points. Additionally, these facilities will have access to 24x7 government health services to manage any rare Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI), underscoring the program's commitment to patient safety. In a post on X, PM Modi emphasized the government's dedication, stating, "We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the daughters of the country are healthy and prosperous." He highlighted that the launch, scheduled around 11:30 AM in Ajmer, focuses on cervical cancer prevention as a key objective.
Broader Development Initiatives in Ajmer
Alongside the health campaign, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects in Ajmer valued at over Rs 16,680 crore. These projects span critical sectors such as urban development, roads, irrigation, drinking water supply, energy, and industrial infrastructure. Notable infrastructure endeavors include the 4-lane greenfield expressway from Bandikui to Jaipur, the 6-lane highway within the Amritsar-Jamnagar Economic Corridor, and the 8-lane carriageway on the Delhi-Vadodara Expressway. The event also featured the laying of foundations for elevated roads, state highways, and major drinking water projects.
Youth Empowerment and Government Recruitment
Furthering the government's commitment to youth empowerment, PM Modi distributed over 21,800 appointment letters to newly recruited government employees in Rajasthan. This move aligns with efforts to boost employment and support young professionals across the region.
Strategic Public Health Vision
According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release, the nationwide HPV vaccination drive represents a significant milestone in India's public health journey. It aligns with the government's vision of "Swastha Nari", which aims to ensure prevention, protection, and equity in women's healthcare. This program not only addresses cervical cancer but also reinforces the importance of preventive measures in building a healthier future for the nation's women.
