Government Plans Rollout of HPV Vaccination Programme

Health Minister J P Nadda announced the government’s active consideration of launching the HPV vaccination programme in the Lok Sabha. Currently, logistical challenges are being addressed to ensure a smooth rollout. States like Sikkim and Punjab have initiated the programme independently, and over six million women have been screened nationwide.

Health Minister J P Nadda announced on Friday that the government is actively considering the launch of the HPV vaccination programme, as recommended by the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group.

In response to inquiries in the Lok Sabha, he mentioned that logistical issues related to the rollout of the vaccination programme need to be addressed. One key issue is the choice between single-dose and double-dose vaccines; the indigenously prepared vaccine requires two doses, whereas the externally supported vaccine is administered in a single dose.

Nadda pointed out that states such as Sikkim and Punjab have already initiated the HPV vaccination programme. While Punjab successfully ran the programme for a year-and-a-half with external support, it has since stopped. Nadda emphasized the importance of developing a cohort logistic system to facilitate the nationwide rollout of this free vaccination programme for every child.

Moreover, he noted that some states have taken independent initiatives to start the programme, a move welcomed by the Centre. Nadda shared that out of 6,17,74,353 women screened, 76,652 were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 67,424 are receiving treatment at government facilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)