Interim Budget 2024 Latest News: In a new focus on health of young girls, the Modi government on Thursday said that it will actively promote vaccination among girls aged 9-14 years to prevent cervical cancer. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the measure in her Interim Budget speech on Thursday. She also said that multiple schemes focused on maternal and childcare will be consolidated into a comprehensive program. The rapid implementation of the newly designed U-win platform is on the agenda.
The budget announcement has sparked the buzz around the price of the HPV vaccine. Many believe that the cost of the vaccination against cervical cancer may go down drastically after the measure is implemented. At present, the cost of single dose of cervical vaccine at a private hospital is around Rs 4,000.
Cervical cancer in India – In numbers
As per the National Centre for Biotechnology, cervical cancer accounts for approximately 6–29% of all cancers in women in India. The age-adjusted incidence rate of cervical cancer exhibits significant variation across different registries, with the highest rate recorded at 23.07/100,000 in Mizoram state and the lowest at 4.91/100,000 in Dibrugarh district.
Cervical cancer vaccine: What doctors say
Dr Rama Joshi , Principal Director, Department of Gynae Oncology, Fortis Hospital says: ” HPV vaccine aids in the primary prevention of cervical cancer which prevents the risk of HPV infection which is the cause of cervical cancers. It is most effective when given to adolescent between 9 to 14 years of age. Women between 27 to 45 years of age can get the HPV Vaccine, however getting it administered at these ages, reduces the effectiveness of the vaccine and should be taken after proper consultation with a gynecologist. HPV Vaccines have a success rate of 88%. In India, we have an indigenous vaccine for cervical cancer, manufactured by Serum Institute Of India priced at Rs 2200.”
Meanwhile, according to Dr Sunny Jain, Sr Consultant & HOD – Oncology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad, “I am of the firm view that cervical cancer vaccines should ideally be given before the first unprotected intercourse because females usually get infected by the Human papillomavirus (HPV) during act. The cervical cancer vaccine prevents and guards the women against the HPV virus-induced carcinoma cervix. We are happy that the government is making strong efforts towards cancer prevention and included free cervical cancer vaccination for girls between 9-14 years of age.”
