Ranchi, Nov 5 (PTI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said a comprehensive study was needed before implementing the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination against cervical cancer in the state, while asserting that protecting adolescent girls from the disease was his government’s priority.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National HPV Vaccination Campaign in February, under which 14-year-old girls receive voluntary, free-of-cost, single-dose HPV vaccination with parental consent at government health facilities.
Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram have achieved 100-per cent coverage of their identified target populations under the campaign, while Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Assam have crossed 90-per cent coverage.
In Jharkhand, where the estimated incidence of cervical cancer was 13 cases per 100,000 population, Soren said, “Cervical cancer poses a serious health challenge, and the government will take necessary measures for its prevention and control with the utmost seriousness.”
During a meeting with health officials on Wednesday, he said protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer is a priority for his government, but a decision would be taken only after an in-depth study on HPV vaccination.
“Conduct a comprehensive and in-depth study before proceeding with the implementation of HPV vaccination,” the chief minister told the officials and directed them to carry out a state-wide survey.
The report prepared after the survey must have detailed data, including the actual number of individuals affected by cervical cancer, their age groups, the various stages of the disease, and the number of active cases, he said.
Soren directed health department officials to constitute a committee of experts on the subject, who would hold consultations with directors of reputed medical institutions as well as with cancer specialists and other experts in the relevant field.
Emphasising strengthening the regular screening system for timely detection and prevention of cervical cancer, the chief minister said that necessary steps must be taken to improve the availability and accessibility of essential diagnostic facilities at district hospitals and community health centres. PTI SAN NSD
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