PM Modi Launches Nationwide HPV Vaccination Drive to Protect Young Girls from Cervical Cancer

Rajasthan | 28 Feb 2026 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme aimed at preventing cervical cancer among girls aged 14 years. The programme was formally rolled out during his visit to Ajmer in Rajasthan and will be implemented across all States and Union Territories as part of the government’s focus on preventive healthcare and women’s well-being. The initiative is expected to benefit around 1.15 crore girls every year. The HPV vaccine will be provided free of cost at government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Primary and Community Health Centres, district hospitals, and government medical colleges. Vaccination will be voluntary, with consent from parents or guardians, and will be carried out under the supervision of trained medical officers to ensure safety. Health officials said all vaccination sites will be equipped with proper cold-chain facilities and round-the-clock access to government healthcare services to manage any rare adverse events. The programme is seen as a major step towards reducing cervical cancer cases in the long term and strengthening India’s public health system with a focus on early prevention. During the same visit, the Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects in Ajmer worth over ₹16,680 crore. These include major works related to roads, urban development, drinking water, irrigation, energy and industrial infrastructure. He also distributed more than 21,800 appointment letters to newly recruited government employees in Rajasthan, underlining the government’s commitment to youth employment and inclusive growth. PM Modi Launches Nationwide HPV Vaccination Drive to Protect Young Girls from Cervical Cancer Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme aimed at preventing cervical cancer among girls aged 14 years. The programme was formally rolled out during his visit to Ajmer in Rajasthan and will be implemented across all States and Union Territories as part of the government’s focus on preventive healthcare and women’s well-being. The initiative is expected to benefit around 1.15 crore girls every year. The HPV vaccine will be provided free of cost at government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Primary and Community Health Centres, district hospitals, and government medical colleges. Vaccination will be voluntary, with consent from parents or guardians, and will be carried out under the supervision of trained medical officers to ensure safety. Health officials said all vaccination sites will be equipped with proper cold-chain facilities and round-the-clock access to government healthcare services to manage any rare adverse events. The programme is seen as a major step towards reducing cervical cancer cases in the long term and strengthening India’s public health system with a focus on early prevention. During the same visit, the Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects in Ajmer worth over ₹16,680 crore. These include major works related to roads, urban development, drinking water, irrigation, energy and industrial infrastructure. He also distributed more than 21,800 appointment letters to newly recruited government employees in Rajasthan, underlining the government’s commitment to youth employment and inclusive growth.