West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday announced the launch of a free cervical cancer vaccination programme in the state, with the campaign set to begin from Bidhannagar Sub-Divisional Hospital on May 30. The initiative forms part of a wider public health push aimed at preventing cervical cancer among adolescent girls and strengthening healthcare monitoring across the state.
Addressing a review meeting on health services, the Chief Minister said the Centre has earmarked more than seven lakh doses of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for West Bengal. “The vaccination drive will be initiated from Bidhannagar Sub-Divisional Hospital,” he said, adding that girls in the eligible age group would be covered under the programme. According to health experts, timely HPV vaccination can prevent nearly 75 to 80 per cent of cervical cancer cases.
Highlighting the scale of the initiative, Adhikari noted that cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women in India. Data shared during the announcement indicated that around 14 women per lakh population are diagnosed with the disease annually in the country, while the mortality rate stands at roughly nine per lakh.
The Chief Minister also announced the establishment of a dedicated control room to monitor hospitals and healthcare facilities across the state. The move is expected to facilitate real-time oversight of hospital operations and help address patient grievances more efficiently.
Alongside the vaccination programme, Adhikari outlined a series of healthcare initiatives, including the rollout of Ayushman Bharat benefits for existing Swasthya Sathi beneficiaries from July. He said nearly six crore people were already covered under the state scheme and would be integrated into the central health insurance programme. “New enrolments under Ayushman Bharat will begin from July,” he stated.
The government also plans to expand the network of Jan Aushadhi centres in West Bengal from 117 to 469, a step aimed at making medicines more affordable for patients. Officials said the combined measures are intended to strengthen healthcare access and disease prevention across the state.
