Patna: Bihar government has taken a major step to protect the health of its young women with the launch of a free HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccination programme. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the campaign on Saturday from Ajmer, Rajasthan. Under this initiative, girls who have turned 14 but are not yet 15 can receive a single dose of the vaccine, which provides protection against cervical cancer. Health authorities said the vaccine is completely safe and can help prevent a disease that often goes unnoticed until it is too late.
The programme will start at the district level and later move to smaller block-level centres to make sure every eligible girl has access. Girls can visit government health centres to get vaccinated. Health Manager Amit Kumar Chanchal said that the vaccine is voluntary and parental consent is required. Families are reassured that minor side effects like slight pain or a mild fever may occur but disappear on their own within a few days.
To make the programme transparent and easy to use, the Health Department is using the digital platform U-WIN. Parents can register their daughters from home or at the vaccination centre. After vaccination, a digital certificate will be provided to confirm that the girl has been protected. Officials said this system will make it easier to track vaccination coverage and ensure that no child is left out.
Experts stressed that prevention is the best defence against cervical cancer, which is often called the “silent killer.” Dr Sandeep Bhardwaj explained that early stages of the disease usually show no symptoms, while signs like weight loss, leg swelling, or back pain appear only later. Cervical cancer often affects women aged 35 to 45, who are at the heart of family and work responsibilities. Vaccinating girls at an early age can greatly reduce their risk and give them a safer, healthier future.
