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PM Modi Launches Free HPV Vaccine Drive to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in India

The Indian Medical Association has welcomed the Government of India's decision to launch a free nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to formally launch the initiative from Ajmer, Rajasthan, on February 28, 2026. IMA President Dr. Anil Kumar J Nayak highlighted the campaign's potential to free women from cervical cancer, which claims thousands of lives annually. The IMA, having already trained thousands of doctors, has pledged full support to the government to achieve maximum coverage under this pan-India drive.

Key Points: Free HPV Vaccination Drive Launched by PM Modi to Fight Cervical Cancer

  • Free nationwide HPV vaccination drive
  • Targets adolescent girls aged 14
  • Aims to eliminate cervical cancer
  • IMA offers full support for coverage
2 min read

"Women will be free from cervical cancer": IMA welcomes PM Modi's free nationwide HPV vaccination drive

IMA welcomes PM Modi's nationwide free HPV vaccination campaign for girls, aiming to eliminate cervical cancer and save thousands of women's lives.

"In the coming decades, women will be free from cervical cancer. - Dr Anil Kumar J Nayak, IMA President"

New Delhi, February 27

The Indian Medical Association has welcomed the Government of India's decision to launch a free nationwide Human Papillomavirus vaccination campaign, terming it a transformative step in the fight against cervical cancer.

The national rollout is scheduled for February 28, 2026, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to formally launch the initiative from Ajmer, Rajasthan.

Dr Anil Kumar J Nayak, President of the IMA, lauded the move, highlighting the urgent need for preventive action against cervical cancer. "On 28th February, PM Modi will launch the national HPV vaccination campaign against cervical cancer from Ajmer, Rajasthan. Almost 77,000 women in villages lose their lives because of cervical cancer. In the coming decades, women will be free from cervical cancer. I congratulate the government," he told ANI.

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, the IMA, representing over four lakh doctors across the country, extended its heartfelt congratulations on the launch of the nationwide drive. The Association expressed appreciation for the government's decision to provide free HPV vaccination to adolescent girls aged 14 years across India, describing it as a visionary initiative that will safeguard the health and lives of millions of women.

The IMA noted that it had earlier written to the Prime Minister on January 22, 2026, urging that HPV vaccination be highlighted in the "Mann Ki Baat" programme to generate mass awareness. It also wrote to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on January 23, proposing that the vaccine be made available free of cost to girls between 9 and 14 years of age, along with GST exemption, direct subsidy support, and financial assistance to NGOs facilitating vaccination.

The Association underscored that, in collaboration with the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), it has already trained more than 30,000 doctors for counselling and HPV vaccination initiatives nationwide. With over 1,800 local branches, the IMA has offered full support to assist the government in achieving maximum coverage under the pan-India drive.

Reiterating its commitment, the IMA said, "It stands firmly with the government in the mission to eliminate cervical cancer among women in India."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A great step forward for public health. The key will be execution - reaching every village and ensuring there's no misinformation campaign against vaccines. Hope the awareness drive is robust.
A
Anjali F
Finally! So many aunties and mothers in my family have suffered. 77,000 deaths a year is a tragedy we can prevent. My only request: please also include screening for older women who are already at risk. 🙏
D
David E
Working in public health here, this is a landmark decision. The scale of training 30,000 doctors is impressive. International agencies have been advocating for this for years. Well done, India.
K
Karthik V
A welcome move, but the announcement is for 2026? That's two years away. Why such a long rollout? The preparation is good, but lives are being lost now. Could the timeline be more urgent?
S
Shreya B
This is real women empowerment. Saving lives and ensuring a healthier future for our girls. Hope the scheme reaches the remotest areas. The collaboration with IMA and FOGSI sounds promising.

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