Kolkata, June 14: The West Bengal government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has initiated a free cervical cancer vaccination program for girls starting May 30. This initiative aims to provide HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccinations specifically for adolescent girls studying in madrasas.
A senior government official confirmed that a special campaign will be launched to vaccinate these girls. The program will be coordinated in accordance with the guidelines and standard operating procedures set by the state’s Health and Family Welfare Department, in collaboration with district administration and health officials.
Despite advancements in technology and ongoing medical research, cervical cancer remains a significant health concern. In India, the government is actively working to combat this issue. A free vaccination program has been introduced for girls of a certain age to ensure early prevention of the disease.
Since the BJP came to power in West Bengal, the public has begun to benefit from this initiative. Officials have noted a rise in cases of cervical cancer, with approximately 600,000 new cases reported globally each year. The mortality rate from cancer stands at around 3.4 million annually. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, with 14 new cases per 100,000 women receiving treatment each year, and a mortality rate of nine per 100,000.
Given India’s vast population, these figures are concerning. The central government has emphasized the importance of free vaccinations to prevent this type of cancer. Medical professionals assert that timely vaccinations can reduce the risk of cervical cancer by 75 to 80 percent.
Under the central vaccination program, West Bengal has also launched its free vaccination initiative. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the central government has dispatched 700,000 vaccines to the state. The program commenced at the Bidhannagar Sub-District Hospital in the Salt Lake area of Kolkata.
Girls aged 14 and above can now receive the cervical cancer vaccine. Following the health department’s guidelines, vaccinations will be administered in madrasas. The state government hopes this program will also enhance health awareness among students in these institutions.
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