A vaccination drive aimed at preventing cervical cancer among women was launched on Tuesday at the Madurai Government Hospital, targeting girls aged 14 and above. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which protects against infections that can lead to cervical cancer and several other cancers, is being administered free of cost as part of a public health initiative. The programme was formally inaugurated by the hospital’s Dean, Arul Sundareskumar, marking a significant step in strengthening preventive healthcare services for women.
Programme Launch and Participants:
Madurai Government Hospital, girls aged 14 and above, Dean Arul Sundareskumar, Medical Superintendent Karthikeyan, Head of Pediatrics Department Nandini, doctors, nursing staff, and public health officials.
Health Protection and Medical Benefits:
Protection against cervical cancer, prevention of HPV infection, reduced risk of anal cancer, throat cancer, and genital cancers, long-term health benefits for women, improved awareness about cancer prevention through vaccination.
Implementation and Free Vaccination Process:
Free vaccination provided at Madurai Government Hospital, priority for girls aged above 14, administration under medical supervision, guidance and monitoring by healthcare professionals, implementation under government public health programmes.
Additional Medical Information and Awareness:
Doctors stated that men can also take the HPV vaccine to reduce the risk of anal cancer and other related diseases, HPV infection can spread through certain forms of close contact, vaccination significantly lowers the risk of multiple HPV-related cancers, awareness programmes will continue to encourage early prevention.
Doctors have urged parents and young people to make use of the vaccination programme and take preventive steps to reduce the risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.
