India is set to launch a free nationwide HPV vaccination programme targeting adolescent girls to prevent cervical cancer, a major public health concern in the country. Using the quadrivalent vaccine that protects against high-risk HPV types responsible for most cervical cancer cases, the initiative aims to provide early protection before exposure to the virus. Implemented through government health facilities with support from global partners, the programme seeks to ensure equitable access across all States and Union Territories. Along with regular screening and awareness, the vaccination drive represents a crucial step towards reducing cervical cancer incidence and advancing women’s health in India.
Click to View MoreIndia has released its first nationally developed evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer treatment and palliation to standardise diagnosis, stage-wise treatment, and early integration of palliative care across public and private healthcare systems. The guidelines provide 15 context-specific recommendations tailored to India’s high disease burden, where nearly 70–80% of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages and mortality remains high. By emphasising early detection, molecular testing for personalised therapy, multidisciplinary care, and patient-centric decision-making, the framework aims to improve survival and quality of life. It also supports broader cancer control efforts under Ayushman Bharat and NPCDCS, while promoting indigenous, cost-effective clinical practices suited to India’s resource settings. Overall, the initiative seeks to reduce treatment disparities, strengthen health system capacity, and advance equitable, evidence-based cancer care nationwide.
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