Shimla: Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday launched a state-level Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign aimed at preventing cervical cancer from the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla.Under the campaign, approximately 65,000 girls aged 14 years will be vaccinated against HPV within the next 90 days. Sukhu appealed to parents, panchayat representatives, and health workers to actively support the initiative and spread awareness about the importance of vaccination.
Expressing concern over the increasing number of cancer cases, Sukhu emphasised that early detection and proper management could make the disease treatable. He reiterated the govt’s commitment to healthcare reforms under the slogan “Vyavastha Parivartan”. Sukhu also announced the construction of a state-of-the-art cancer hospital in Hamirpur at a cost of Rs 300 crore to ensure affordable treatment within the state. Additionally, advanced medical equipment will be installed in IGMC and other medical colleges within eight months.Over the next three years, AIIMS-level facilities are planned for zonal hospitals, primary health centres, and community health centres, with Rs 3,000 crore earmarked for high-end equipment, the CM added.The chief minister added that robotic surgery facilities would be introduced in all five medical colleges of the state. After the launch of robotic surgery at AIIMS Chamiyana in Shimla and Tanda Medical College in Kangra, the facility would also begin at IGMC on March 10.Sate health minister Colonel Dhani Ram Shandil (retd) confirmed that the HPV vaccine would be provided free of cost and incorporated into routine immunisation programme under medical supervision.
