Tripura launches nationwide HPV vaccination campaign to prevent cervical cancer. BJP MP Rajib Bhattacharjee thanks Prime Minister Narendra Modi as free immunisation drive targets 17,500 adolescent girls under the national health mission for women’s safety and Viksit Bharat vision.
A three-month nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign aimed at preventing cervical cancer was officially launched in Tripura on Saturday, aligning with the national rollout inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Ajmer.
The state-level programme was formally launched at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGM Hospital) in Agartala, marking a significant step in strengthening preventive healthcare for adolescent girls. The campaign, which began on February 28, will continue for three months and aims to immunise approximately 17,500 girls across Tripura.
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee attended the launch event and vaccination drive at IGM Hospital. Speaking to media persons, he expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for spearheading what he described as a transformative initiative in the country’s health sector.
“As we all know, this vaccine has been developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research to prevent cervical cancer. It has now been launched nationally for the welfare of the people. I extend my sincere thanks to the Prime Minister for his consistent efforts to streamline the entire health sector. This year’s Union Budget also reflects how the Centre is prioritising healthcare,” Bhattacharjee said.
Describing the initiative as a milestone in India’s public health journey, the MP stated that the vaccination campaign aligns with the broader vision of building a “Viksit Bharat.” He emphasised that significant efforts are being undertaken in every aspect of public health to safeguard citizens, especially women and girls.
The HPV vaccine is being administered free of cost to girls aged 14 years who have not yet turned 15. Health department officials confirmed that the programme specifically targets adolescent girls who fall within the defined age group under the universal immunisation strategy.
Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India. It is primarily caused by persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common viral infection transmitted through intimate contact. Medical experts have long advocated early vaccination as a highly effective preventive measure.
According to global health estimates, India accounts for a substantial number of new cervical cancer cases and related fatalities each year. Public health specialists underline that timely vaccination can significantly reduce the lifetime risk of developing cervical cancer. They also stress that vaccination, combined with regular screening and widespread awareness campaigns, forms the cornerstone of an effective prevention strategy.
In Tripura, the HPV vaccine will be available at routine immunisation sessions conducted at major government healthcare institutions, including Agartala Government Medical College and GB Hospital, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, and Tripura Medical College, along with primary health centres, community health centres, sub-divisional hospitals, and district hospitals across the state.
Officials further informed that vaccination records will be uploaded to the Centre’s U-WIN digital platform, ensuring real-time monitoring and accurate tracking of beneficiaries under the universal immunisation programme. The digital tracking system is expected to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in implementation.
Several senior health department officials and public representatives attended the launch programme, reaffirming the government’s commitment to women’s health and preventive care. The initiative is widely viewed as a decisive step toward reducing the burden of cervical cancer and strengthening India’s healthcare framework at the grassroots level.
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With the nationwide campaign now underway, authorities hope the combined efforts of the Centre and states will significantly lower cervical cancer incidence in the coming years, safeguarding the health and future of millions of young girls across the country.
