Haryana Chief Minister Launches Statewide HPV Vaccination Campaign
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini officially launched the state's Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign on Saturday, declaring that the vaccine will serve as a powerful shield for girls' health and self-confidence by dramatically reducing the risk of cervical cancer. The campaign was inaugurated from Ladwa, with the CM stressing that this initiative demonstrates the government's firm commitment to securing a healthy and safe future for the state's young women.
National Context and Local Implementation
Addressing a gathering at Shri Ram Kundi Dharamshala, CM Saini highlighted that the nationwide HPV vaccination drive was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, representing a decisive national effort to prevent a largely avoidable disease. He noted that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India and is primarily caused by HPV, which can be effectively prevented through timely vaccination.
During the event, the Chief Minister and Haryana Health Minister Aarti Singh Rao formally launched the state campaign and honored girls who received the vaccine by presenting them with certificates. On the first day, a total of 40 girls were vaccinated—five in the presence of the CM and 35 at a designated health facility. The state leaders also virtually witnessed the national launch of the campaign from Ajmer by the Prime Minister, connecting the local effort to the broader national mission.
Free Vaccination and Healthcare Infrastructure Boost
CM Saini announced that over the next three months, the HPV vaccine will be administered free of cost to all eligible girls aged up to 14 years across Haryana. He emphasized that the vaccine is scientifically validated, completely safe, and already in use in more than 160 countries worldwide. While the vaccine is expensive in the private sector, the government is providing it free to ensure equitable access for all families, regardless of economic background.
In a parallel development to strengthen grassroots healthcare, both leaders later inaugurated a newly constructed Primary Health Centre (PHC) building in Barot village. This facility was built at a cost of Rs 3.68 crore and represents a significant investment in enhancing local healthcare infrastructure, complementing the vaccination drive with improved medical services.
Digital Integration and Support for Cancer Patients
Health Minister Aarti Singh Rao provided details on the implementation process, noting that online registration for the vaccination will be conducted through the U-WIN portal. Digital vaccination certificates will be issued to every beneficiary, aligning with the Digital India vision and ensuring efficient record-keeping. This digital approach aims to streamline the vaccination process and provide easy access to documentation for families.
Minister Rao also highlighted the state's existing support for cancer patients, revealing that Haryana provides Rs 3,200 per month as financial assistance to advanced-stage cancer patients. This program has benefited over 5,800 people so far, demonstrating the government's broader commitment to cancer care and patient welfare alongside preventive measures like the HPV vaccine.
The launch event underscored a comprehensive approach to women's health in Haryana, combining preventive vaccination with infrastructure development and patient support systems to create a more resilient healthcare ecosystem for future generations.
