MP medical updates: The Madhya Pradesh government on Saturday launched a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign to shield the girls of the state from cervical cancer. Post-launch, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi for initiating the drive from the Ajmer town of Rajasthan.
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CM Dr Yadav attends launch event virtually
CM Dr Yadav was in virtual attendance at the event chaired by PM Modi. During the event, he said that the Madhya Pradesh government is committed to safeguarding the dignity and health of girls and women.
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8 lakh girls of the state to benefit from vaccination drive
Notably, under the campaign, as many as 8 lakh girls across the state will receive the HPV vaccine free of cost. According to official data, the Centre has already supplied 7.58 lakh vaccine doses to Madhya Pradesh. The vaccine, priced at close to Rs 4 thousand in the market, shall be administered to the eligible girls for free at designated health institutions across the state.
Who are eligible for receiving the vaccine?
Girls, who have completed 14 years of age and are bound to touch 15 years will stand eligible to receive a single 0.5 ml intramuscular dose. Meanwhile, those girls, who turn 15 within 90 days since the commencement of the campaign will also be eligible. The vaccination drive will be in force for three months, and parental consent has been mandated for administering the doses.
Deputy CM spearheads state-wide launch
The statewide launch of the campaign was held at the Dr Kailashnath Katju hospital in Bhopal, where MP's Deputy CM (Health), Rajendra Shukla was present. According to official sources, the vaccination services will be made available on a daily basis at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, primary and community health centres, sub-health centres, district hospitals and government medical colleges.
CM Dr Yadav termed cervical cancer has one of those, which highly affects women, and said HPV vaccine would prove fruitful in keeping the ailment at bay. He also urged the parents to ensure that their daughters are vaccinated, so that they can live a cancer-free life.