A landmark moment for Indian healthcare unfolded Saturday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the national HPV vaccination campaign from Ajmer. Focused on preventing cervical cancer—the scourge claiming countless women’s lives—this drive prioritizes 14-year-old girls nationwide.
Rajasthan led with gusto, hosting 188 sessions across 1,000 designated health institutions. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma passionately appealed to parents, framing it as empowerment for daughters and a stride toward a cancer-free tomorrow.
Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar explained the single-dose regimen per central guidelines: Gardasil-4 for girls post-14th birthday but pre-15th, administered in the upper left arm. He noted its critical role against India’s second-most prevalent female cancer.
Over 832,000 Rajasthan girls qualify, said Chief Health Secretary Gayatri Rathore. NHM’s Dr. Amit Yadav ensured selections met strict criteria: cold chain readiness, medical supervision, and digital links.
Every site features trained vaccinators, monitors, educators, and volunteers. Multi-level training guarantees flawless implementation. The state health apparatus celebrates this as a pioneering effort to bolster defenses and secure adolescent well-being.