New Delhi, 19 February 2025: A vaccine targeting cancers affecting women will be available within six months, and girls aged 9 to 16 will be eligible for inoculation, Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav said Tuesday.
Speaking at a press conference, the Minister of State for Health, Family Welfare, and Ayush (Independent Charge) mentioned that research on the vaccine is nearly complete, with trials in progress. “The number of cancer patients has increased, and the Central government has initiated steps to address this. Women over 30 will undergo screening at hospitals, and daycare cancer centers will be set up for early detection,” he said.
Jadhav also announced the waiver of customs duty on medicines used in cancer treatment. Responding to queries, he stated that the vaccine would target breast, oral, and cervical cancers.
On integrating Ayush with existing healthcare centers, Jadhav noted that hospitals already have Ayush departments, and the country has 12,500 such facilities, with expansion plans underway.
