TN all set to roll out free cancer vaccination drive for girls aged up to 14
The vaccine also offers protection against other HPV-linked cancers, such as vaginal, vulvar, anal, and throat cancers
Health minister Ma Subramanian
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu is all set to launch a free cancer vaccination programme for girl children aged up to 14 years, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ma Subramanian said on Sunday. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine costs Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000 in private hospitals.
"The tender process has been completed. Once launched, Tamil Nadu will be the first in India to administer the HPV vaccine free of cost to girls aged up to 14 years," Subramanian said, adding that the Rs 38-crore project would serve as a model for other States to follow.
He was speaking at the 16th annual breast cancer awareness walkathon, "Oru Nadai, Oru Nambikkai" (One Step, One Hope), organised by CAN-STOP, a voluntary organisation, and Rotary.
"The HPV vaccine is a preventive vaccine that protects against infections caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus, primarily HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for over 95 per cent of cervical cancer cases globally. The vaccine also offers protection against other HPV-linked cancers, such as vaginal, vulvar, anal, and throat cancers. In private hospitals, each HPV dose costs between Rs 12,000 and Rs 15,000, making the State's free vaccination drive a significant step towards equitable healthcare. Following WHO guidelines, we are rolling out this initiative to safeguard our future generations from cervical cancer," Subramanian told DT Next.
Emphasising the importance of physical activity in cancer prevention, Subramanian added, "Scientific studies prove that those who walk or run daily are at minimal risk of developing cancer. Regular exercise remains one of the most effective preventive measures."
The Minister added that with global concerns over a possible resurgence of polio after two decades, six districts in Tamil Nadu have been put on alert, and precautionary vaccination drives were already under way.
Over 500 participants, including actress Sanchita Shetty, cancer survivors, students, and volunteers, took part in the awareness event, carrying placards on cancer prevention and healthy living.