A vaccine targeting cancers affecting women will be available within the next five to six months, with girls aged 9 to 16 years eligible for inoculation, Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav announced recently.
Speaking at a press conference in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the Union Minister of State for Health, Family Welfare, and Ayush (Independent Charge) stated that research on the vaccine is nearing completion, and clinical trials are in progress. He emphasized the rising number of cancer cases in India and highlighted the government’s efforts to tackle the issue.
As part of our initiative, women above 30 will undergo cancer screening at hospitals, and daycare cancer centres will be set up for early detection and treatment,” Jadhav said. Additionally, the government has waived customs duties on medicines used for cancer treatment to make them more accessible.The vaccine aims to combat breast, oral, and cervical cancers, which are among the most prevalent in women. Jadhav assured that once trials are completed, the vaccine will be rolled out for public use.
Regarding the expansion of Ayush healthcare facilities, the minister mentioned that hospitals already have Ayush departments, and citizens can avail of these services. Currently, there are 12,500 such facilities across the country, with ongoing efforts to increase their numbers.
