Washington, July 28: Indian-American radiation oncologist Dr. Dattatreya Nori has stated that HPV vaccination could provide India with a significant advantage in the fight against cervical cancer. He believes this initiative could help eradicate the disease in the coming years.
In an interview, Nori remarked, “With HPV vaccination, we are in a better position, and in just a few years, we could eliminate cervical cancer from India.”
Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2026, Nori described cervical cancer as a preventable, detectable, and treatable disease. He expressed concern over the continuous deaths caused by this illness, which deeply troubles oncologists.
He emphasized, “Cervical cancer can be prevented, detected, treated, and cured.”
Nori highlighted that approximately 200 women die from cervical cancer in India every day. He welcomed the initiative to provide free HPV vaccinations for girls, stating that it could significantly strengthen prevention efforts.
He also praised the changes in India’s healthcare sector over the past 12 years, particularly in cancer prevention and treatment.
“There have been many significant positive changes, especially in healthcare,” he noted.
Nori mentioned key developments, including the establishment of the National Cancer Institute and the expansion of cancer treatment facilities.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nori said, “For the first time, he established the National Cancer Institute. We had nothing like this before.”
He pointed out that India has opened more cancer and outpatient centers, provided financial assistance to patients, and reduced the costs of chemotherapy drugs imported from abroad.
Nori acknowledged, “They have initiated several other programs in cancer care. I truly appreciate all their contributions.”
He expressed confidence that India will continue to make progress in all areas of cancer care. “I am very hopeful that we will achieve significant advancements in cancer detection, prevention, screening, and treatment in India,” he stated.
Reflecting on his journey, Nori shared that he arrived in America nearly 50 years ago. He progressed from the grassroots of medicine and academics to leading a department at an Ivy League medical school. He told the audience in Washington, “This is only possible in America. Only in America.”
Nori was selected for the Padma Bhushan award in 2026 for his contributions to the medical field. This honor is India’s third-highest civilian award. He is listed on the government’s Padma Awards portal as a recipient from the United States.
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