Bargarh: Cancer remains a critical public health issue, touching nearly every family in some way. Among women, cervical cancer has emerged as a leading concern, with an alarming number of cases being diagnosed at advanced stages, particularly in women aged 50–55. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Bargarh Mahila Samiti has taken a bold step by demanding free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines to prevent cervical cancer in Odisha.
On Wednesday, the group submitted a memorandum to the district collector, addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging the state government to make the HPV vaccine freely available to women. Highlighting the preventive power of the vaccine, the memorandum stressed the need for administering two doses to girls aged 9–14 years. The current high cost of the vaccine has made it inaccessible to many families, particularly in rural areas, calling for immediate government intervention.
The Samiti referenced successful vaccination programs in states like Punjab, Sikkim, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, where free HPV vaccines are being provided, especially in cancer-prone districts. These models have demonstrated significant potential in reducing cervical cancer cases and could be replicated in Odisha. The Central Government’s recent initiative to provide free HPV vaccines under its 2024–25 budget further strengthens the case for Odisha to act decisively.
According to the National Cancer Registry, breast and cervical cancers are the most common cancers among Indian women, particularly in the 55–59 age group. In rural Odisha, where female literacy is below 50%, over 90% of cervical cancer patients are aged 50–55, with more than 60% diagnosed at advanced stages. Despite advancements in healthcare, cervical cancer continues to be the second most common cancer among Indian women, emphasizing the need for preventive measures like HPV vaccination.
In response to the memorandum, District Collector Aditya Goel assured that the proposal would be forwarded to the state government for consideration. This initiative, led by Mahila Samiti President Harjinder Kaur, included active participation from members such as Indrani Satpathy, Kanak Pradhan, and Sanghamitra Patel, among others.
The Bargarh Mahila Samiti’s demand for free HPV vaccinations represents a transformative step toward creating a cancer-free society in Odisha.
