Bhopal witnessed a landmark moment in public health on Saturday as Chief Minister Mohan Yadav inaugurated a statewide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign. Aimed at shielding adolescent girls from the deadly threat of cervical cancer, this ambitious drive targets nearly 8 lakh girls aged 14 to 15 across Madhya Pradesh.
The initiative, flagged off virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Ajmer, Rajasthan, underscores the state government’s unwavering commitment to women’s health. Over 7.58 lakh vaccine doses, normally priced at around ₹4,000 in the market, will be administered free of cost at designated government health centers for the next three months.
Addressing the gathering virtually from New Delhi, CM Yadav emphasized that cervical cancer poses a severe risk to women, urging parents to ensure their eligible daughters receive the vaccine. ‘This campaign reflects our dedication to the health and dignity of women,’ he stated, highlighting the preventive power of vaccination over treatment.
In Bhopal, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla formally launched the drive at Dr. Kailash Nath Katju Hospital. He revealed stark statistics: cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India after breast cancer, with about 156 cases per lakh women. ‘Prevention through HPV vaccination is far more effective than cure, and our goal is to make Madhya Pradesh cervical cancer-free,’ Shukla asserted.
The campaign integrates with other health missions like Mission Madhuhari, which will soon provide weekly clinics in district hospitals for Type-1 diabetes management in children and youth, including insulin checks and expert consultations. Ongoing programs such as Nirogi Kaya Abhiyan, Sickle Cell Eradication Mission, Swasth Mahila Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan, and Healthy Liver Mission continue to bolster public health efforts.
State officials have fortified primary healthcare via the hub-and-spoke model, expanded diagnostic facilities to 85 types, introduced telemedicine for rural specialist consultations, and proposed medical colleges in every Lok Sabha constituency. CM Yadav reiterated that sustained awareness and timely screenings are key to long-term health improvements. Health workers expressed confidence in meeting vaccination targets within the stipulated timeframe, marking a proactive step towards a healthier Madhya Pradesh.