Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme, targeting girls aged 14 years across all States and Union Territories. The initiative was launched during his visit to Ajmer, Rajasthan. It aims at preventing cervical cancer and is part of the government’s larger effort to strengthen women’s health and advance preventive healthcare across the country.The programme will cover approximately 1.15 crore girls each year and the vaccine will be provided free of cost at designated government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Primary Health Centres), Community Health Centres, Sub-District and District Hospitals, and Government Medical Colleges.Vaccination will be voluntary, with parental or guardian consent obtained before administration. Each session will be supervised by trained medical officers and supported by skilled healthcare teams. All sites will have functional Cold Chain Points and access to 24×7 government health facilities to manage any rare Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI).In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the daughters of the country are healthy and prosperous. In this direction, this morning, around 11:30 AM, I will launch the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign in Ajmer, Rajasthan. The objective of this initiative is the prevention of cervical cancer. During this time, I will also have the opportunity to lay the foundation stones and inaugurate several projects, along with handing over appointment letters to my young colleagues.“Alongside the health initiative, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects in Ajmer worth over Rs 16,680 crore. These include projects in urban development, roads, irrigation, drinking water supply, energy and industrial infrastructure. Key infrastructure projects include the 4-lane greenfield expressway from Bandikui to Jaipur, 6-lane highway in the Amritsar-Jamnagar Economic Corridor, and 8-lane carriageway in the Delhi-Vadodara Expressway. Foundations will also be laid for elevated roads, state highways, and major drinking water projects.Furthering the Government’s commitment to youth empowerment, PM Modi will distribute over 21,800 appointment letters to newly recruited government employees in Rajasthan.According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release, the nationwide HPV vaccination drive represents a significant step in India’s public health journey and aligns with the government’s vision of “Swastha Nari”, ensuring prevention, protection, and equity in women’s healthcare.
