Odisha Chief Minister Launches Statewide HPV Vaccination Campaign
In a significant public health initiative, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi officially launched the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign on Saturday. This launch coincided with the nationwide rollout of the program by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Ajmer, Rajasthan. The primary objective is to protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in India.
Comprehensive Coverage and Free Vaccine Distribution
The ambitious campaign is set to cover approximately 3.36 lakh girls aged between 14 and 15 years across Odisha over the next three months. An official statement from the Chief Minister's Office confirmed that the vaccine will be administered completely free of cost, despite having a market price of around Rs 4,000 per dose.
Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling emphasized the government's commitment, stating, "While the market price of this HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer is Rs 4,000, the government made arrangements to provide this vaccine free of cost to our girls."
Phased Implementation Across Healthcare Facilities
The vaccination drive will be implemented in a structured, phased manner:
- First Month: Vaccinations will commence at community health centres (CHCs), sub-divisional hospitals (SDHs), and district headquarters hospitals (DHHs).
- Second Month: The program will expand to include primary health centres (PHCs) across the state.
This systematic approach ensures efficient rollout and maximizes accessibility for the target population.
Mukhyamantri Cancer Care Abhiyan: A Holistic Approach
During the launch event, CM Majhi highlighted the broader Mukhyamantri Cancer Care Abhiyan, announced in the 2026-27 state budget. This comprehensive program aims to combat cancer through multiple strategies:
- Extensive community awareness campaigns
- Village-level cancer screening initiatives
- Organization of mobile camps in rural areas
- Arrangements for early treatment and intervention
The state government has allocated Rs 311 crore in the recent budget for this initiative, covering cancer registry, free patient transportation services, and other essential components.
Strengthening Emergency Healthcare Infrastructure
In a parallel development to bolster healthcare services, Chief Minister Majhi inaugurated 28 new 108 ambulances. This addition follows the earlier inauguration of 400 ambulances in two phases, bringing the total to 428 new ambulances deployed across Odisha.
"These new ambulances will further strengthen the healthcare system by providing emergency services to people," Majhi remarked. The state government has invested Rs 111 crore from its own funds into this critical infrastructure upgrade.
Enhanced Treatment Packages Under Government Schemes
The Chief Minister also announced that 121 specialized cancer treatment packages are being provided for Odisha under the Ayushman Bharat and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana schemes. This integration ensures that patients have access to affordable and comprehensive cancer care, complementing the preventive measures of the HPV vaccination campaign.
The launch of the HPV vaccination drive marks a pivotal step in Odisha's public health strategy, combining preventive vaccination, emergency service enhancement, and holistic cancer care to protect the health of its citizens, particularly young women.
