Punjab to launch free HPV vaccination programme against cervical cancer

Chandigarh, Sept 27: Punjab Health and Family Welfare Department is all set to initiate an ambitious campaign to tackle ‘cervical cancer’ among women in the state. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer of women in India. In Punjab, it is second most prevalent cancer after breast cancer. Chairing the meeting of technical expert group on HPV vaccination held here today, Health and Family Welfare Minister Brahm Mohindra said that the state government is committed to provide all health care and treatment facilities to the patients suffering from the cancer and soon all school going girls across the state will be provided the life saving vaccine to prevent the most trending cervical cancer reported in the women. He said that Bathinda and Mansa districts had the higher rate of cervical cancer as compared to rest of the districts of Punjab. Therefore, this dedicated campaign is launched in the two districts under second phase of anti-cervical cancer campaign. He said that the HPV vaccination will be provided to school going girls studying in 6th class in all schools, both government as well private along with the second dose to the girls covered in first phase. Mr Mohindra also instructed the department authorities to ensure technical training regarding HPV vaccination for the teams of Medical Officers deputed under this campaign. He said that in order to achieve the set target, district level teams would be constituted to track the girls who were shifted to other schools. The Minister said that the vaccine for the purpose is being procured by Punjab government through UNICEF and the technical guidance to be provided by the WHO. He said that approximately, 20,000 girls are expected to cover under his anti cervical cancer campaign in government and private schools of these two districts in phase-2 of vaccination. Punjab is the first state in India to include HPV vaccine in its routine immunization schedule. UNI