In a significant step towards strengthening preventive healthcare, an HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination drive was formally launched at the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital and Research Centre under the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)–Bhilai Steel Plant on Wednesday. The initiative is aimed at enhancing protection against cervical cancer, particularly among adolescent girls.

The campaign was inaugurated under the leadership of Dr. Vinita Dwivedi, Chief Medical Officer In-Charge (Medical and Health Services), in the presence of senior medical professionals including Dr. Kaushalendra Thakur, Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Uday Kumar Dhabarde, Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Sambita Panda, Assistant Chief Medical Officer; and Dr. S. K. Saha, Assistant Chief Medical Officer, along with the Pediatrics Department team.

The launch aligns with the nationwide Human Papillomavirus vaccination programme initiated by the Government of India on February 28, 2026. In Chhattisgarh, the programme has been under implementation across district hospitals since March 16, 2026, and has now been expanded to cover government medical colleges, Community Health Centres, and designated Cold Chain Points, including the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital and Research Centre.

The campaign places strong emphasis on creating awareness about timely vaccination to prevent cervical cancer. During the launch, the message “HPV Vaccination: A Commitment to Protection – A New Option to Safeguard Daughters from Cervical Cancer” was highlighted, underlining the importance of early immunisation. Health officials also stressed the need for timely registration of beneficiaries through the U-WIN digital platform to ensure seamless vaccine delivery.

The initiative targets adolescent girls who have completed 14 years of age and are below 15 years, and is expected to significantly improve vaccination coverage in the region. Officials expressed confidence that the drive will play a crucial role in reducing the long-term burden of cervical cancer through early preventive intervention.

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