India set to launch cancer vaccine for women in 5-6 months; details inside

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: In a major development, Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav announced that a vaccine aimed at combating cancers affecting women will be available within the next five to six months in the country. The vaccine will be available for girls in the age group of nine to 16 years.

During a press conference, the Union Minister of State for Health, Family Welfare, and Ayush (Independent Charge) shared that research on the vaccine is nearly complete, with trials currently underway.

"The number of cancer patients has increased in the country, and the Central government has initiated steps to address this issue. Women above 30 will undergo screening at hospitals, and daycare cancer centres will be established for early detection of the disease," Jadhav said.

The minister also mentioned that the government has waived customs duties on medicines used in cancer treatment.

"The research on a vaccine for cancers that affect women is nearly complete, and trials are underway. It will be available in five to six months, and girls in the age group of nine to 16 years will be eligible for inoculation," Jadhav said.

When asked about the cancers the vaccine will target, Jadhav specified that it would address breast, oral, and cervical cancers.

Regarding the transformation of existing healthcare centres into Ayush facilities, Jadhav clarified that hospitals already have Ayush departments where people can avail of these services.

"The country has 12,500 such health facilities, and the government is increasing them," he added.