A recent parliamentary panel report stressed the urgent need to include the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) across all states and Union Territories. By doing so, India can significantly reduce cervical cancer incidence and improve women’s health outcomes. Cervical cancer continues to be one of the most common cancers among Indian women, and the HPV vaccine has proven highly effective in its prevention.
Committee Pushes for Swift Action
The Committee on Petitions, Rajya Sabha, chaired by Narain Dass Gupta, submitted its report calling for immediate action. While the Union Budget 2024 prioritised the phased introduction of the vaccine, and the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) recommended its inclusion for girls aged 9–14 years, the rollout has so far been limited to Sikkim and Bihar. As a result, the vaccine is yet to be fully integrated into the national immunisation schedule.
Affordable Vaccine Now Available
India shoulders a large share of the global cervical cancer burden, with thousands of cases and deaths reported annually. To address this, the Serum Institute of India introduced Cervavac, an indigenous quadrivalent HPV vaccine, in 2023. This affordable option offers hope for wider accessibility and faster adoption within the UIP.
Expanding Screening and Awareness
Since cancer screening rates in India remain low, the Committee urged the government to strengthen and scale up national screening programmes, particularly in underserved regions. Beyond infrastructure, it called for region-specific awareness campaigns that reach diverse populations instead of relying on generic messaging.
As reported by ETHealthworld, the panel also highlighted the crucial role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which often have deep community ties and experience addressing stigma. Partnering with NGOs can help extend the reach of preventive initiatives. Furthermore, involving celebrities—especially cancer survivors—can amplify the importance of early detection and timely screening.
Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure and Training
To improve cancer care delivery, the Committee recommended upskilling doctors at primary and secondary healthcare centres through targeted training. It also emphasised enhancing the capabilities of nurses and technicians working in oncology.
Additionally, the report flagged the inadequacy of India’s radiotherapy infrastructure. With most critical equipment currently imported, treatment costs remain unaffordable for many patients. Therefore, the panel strongly advised prioritising domestic manufacturing of PET scan and radiotherapy equipment to make advanced care more accessible and cost-effective.