Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Dec 7: The Maharashtra health department will roll out a comprehensive programme from January 2026 to provide free Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccines to girls aged 9 to 14. The initiative follows the Union Finance Minister’s 2024 Budget announcement offering free HPV vaccination to all girls in this age group to help prevent cervical cancer.
Maharashtra earlier conducted a limited pilot project covering students in government schools. With the statewide rollout, all eligible girls will now be brought under the vaccination programme.
Dr. Sandeep Sangle, Joint Director, State Family Welfare Department, said the vaccination drive will begin once final orders are received from the Centre. “The vaccines will be available free of cost at all public health facilities. Guidelines on consent, tracking and record-keeping have been formulated. Awareness campaigns for adult women on screening and early diagnosis will continue,” he said.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls who have not yet been exposed to the virus. Maharashtra will be among the few states to include it in the universal routine immunisation schedule. The state has already received 9.5 lakh doses and completed training for health workers at the state, district and block levels.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India after breast cancer. Despite being largely preventable and fully treatable if detected early, it causes over 77,000 deaths annually. With HPV vaccination now included in the National Immunisation Programme, authorities aim to substantially reduce the disease burden in the coming years.