Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir – In a major health breakthrough, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the national HPV vaccination drive on February 28 from Ajmer, Rajasthan, targeting cervical cancer prevention among women across India. Preparations are in full swing at Raja Sukhdev Singh District Hospital in Poonch, under the supervision of Deputy CMO Dr. Ruby Naz Bhatti.
Speaking exclusively to media, Dr. Bhatti expressed profound gratitude to PM Modi for this initiative. ‘We are deeply thankful to the Prime Minister for safeguarding our daughters from cervical cancer through this vaccination campaign,’ she stated. The vaccine, previously available only in private clinics at a high cost, will now be provided free to girls aged 14-15 nationwide.
Dr. Bhatti shared a personal anecdote, revealing she spent thousands to vaccinate her own two daughters. ‘Parents must ensure their daughters receive this shot. In India, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women after breast cancer,’ she emphasized, urging everyone to ignore rumors and social media misinformation.
Highlighting the vaccine’s complete safety, the doctor, a mother herself, dismissed misleading videos circulating online. ‘Consult our doctors if in doubt. This is a game-changer for public health,’ she added. With the launch, Poonch and other regions will kick off local drives, promising a healthier future for Indian girls.