Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign from Ajmer, Rajasthan, aiming to eliminate Human Papillomavirus infections and protect girls from cervical cancer.
In Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the state-level program at Krushi Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. He emphasised that the HPV vaccination drive is not just a routine health initiative but a mission to empower women by safeguarding their health and future.
The campaign will benefit around 3.36 lakh girls aged 14 to 15 across Odisha. The state government set a three-month target to complete the vaccination process. Initially, vaccines will be administered at community health centres, sub-divisional hospitals, and district headquarters hospitals. In the second phase, the program will expand to primary health centres. The vaccine will be provided free of cost, despite its market value of Rs 4,000 per dose.
The Chief Minister highlighted that this step marks a milestone in women’s health protection. He also announced the “Mukhyamantri Cancer Treatment Program” in the 2026-27 budget, which will include community awareness, village-level screening, and mobile health camps. Odisha will also benefit from 121 cancer treatment packages under Ayushman Bharat and Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.
To strengthen emergency healthcare, the Chief Minister flagged off 28 new 108 ambulances, adding to the 400 already deployed in earlier phases. With 428 ambulances now in service, the state invested Rs 111 crore to ensure stronger emergency response.
Health Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling stated that the HPV vaccination drive aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Healthy Women, Strong India.” Legislators, senior officials, and health mission leaders attended the event.
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