Gujarat has begun a large-scale free HPV vaccination drive for 550,000 adolescent girls aged 14-15, aimed at preventing cervical cancer. The state government has allocated ₹150 crore for the campaign, which was officially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a virtual event from Sola Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad.

Health Minister Emphasizes Vaccination Success and National Commitment

Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya highlighted Gujarat’s progress in healthcare during the launch event. He noted that the state has been polio-free since 2007 and has made significant strides in vaccine production, reducing reliance on imports. Pansheriya said that the government is committed to ensuring access to medical treatment for all, including increasing the coverage under the Ayushman Card from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.

The minister also urged the public to combat superstition and misinformation about the vaccine, emphasizing that it was developed under medical supervision. He warned of the rising incidence of diseases like cancer due to food adulteration and encouraged people to prioritize health by participating in the vaccination drive.

Free HPV Vaccines Under Universal Immunisation Programme

The state government has added the HPV vaccine to its Universal Immunisation Programme, which currently spends over ₹240 crore annually on children’s vaccinations. While a single dose of the vaccine costs around ₹3,000 in the private market, the government will provide it free of charge under this campaign.

The goal is to vaccinate 550,000 girls in Gujarat who are 14 years old and have not yet turned 15. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, primarily caused by HPV-16 and HPV-18 virus types. The campaign will provide a highly effective and safe quadrivalent HPV vaccine to these girls.

Logistical Infrastructure Ensures Smooth Vaccination Process

To ensure the smooth implementation of the campaign, 2,297 trained vaccination teams and an equal number of cold chain points have been established. Vaccine storage facilities are maintained at temperatures between +2°C and +8°C, with real-time monitoring through the TeCHO+ and SAFE-VAC portals.

The government has urged parents to get their 14-year-old daughters vaccinated to secure a cancer-free future for them. The message is clear: ‘Let’s continue to protect our daughters from cervical cancer by ensuring timely HPV vaccination.’

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibha Jain, Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department Rajeev Topno, and other officials from the Health Department and Sola Civil Hospital. A large number of adolescent girls were also present at the event.

Gujarat’s initiative aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s nationwide HPV vaccination drive, which was launched from Ajmer, Rajasthan. The campaign is part of a broader effort to improve public health and reduce the incidence of preventable diseases through widespread immunization.

With cervical cancer being a major health concern, especially for women in India, the state’s proactive approach to providing free vaccines is a significant step in addressing this issue. The campaign is expected to have long-term benefits, not only for the health of adolescent girls but also for the overall healthcare infrastructure in the state.

As the campaign progresses, the government will continue to monitor its implementation and ensure that all eligible girls receive the vaccine. The initiative is part of a larger national strategy to enhance public health and align with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ which emphasizes self-reliance and sustainable development.