After the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government took office in West Bengal, free cervical cancer vaccination for girls commenced on May 30. A special HPV vaccination campaign is also scheduled to start for teenage girls in madrasas across the state. This initiative requires coordination with district authorities and the health department following state guidelines.
Despite advancements in medical science, cervical cancer remains a significant concern. The Central government has launched a free vaccination program targeting girls to combat this disease. The number of cervical cancer cases is on the rise globally, with around six lakh new patients diagnosed annually and a death toll of about 3.4 lakh.
In India, cervical cancer ranks as the second most common cancer among women. The country witnesses 14 new cases per 100,000 women annually, with a death rate of nine per lakh. To address this, the Central government stresses the importance of free vaccinations in preventing cervical cancer. Doctors highlight that timely vaccination can reduce the risk of cancer by 75 to 80 percent.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the receipt of seven lakh vaccine doses from the Central government. The vaccination drive began at Bidhannagar Sub district Hospital in Kolkata, offering the vaccine to girls aged 14-15 and above. Additionally, the vaccine will be administered in madrasas as part of the Health Department’s guidelines, aiming to enhance health awareness among students.
