Imphal, February 28: Manipur joined the nationwide launch of the National Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme against cervical cancer on Friday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally inaugurated the initiative from Ajmer, Rajasthan. The live telecast of the national event was streamed at the Auditorium Hall of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Porompat, where state officials, healthcare professionals, and medical staff participated in the programme.
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| Officials flag off 33 ambulances during the National HPV Vaccination Programme launch event in Manipur. (Image: facebook.com/YKhemchandSingh) |
The nationwide rollout marks a major milestone in India's preventive healthcare strategy under the National Health Mission (NHM). The HPV vaccination programme aims to protect adolescent girls and young women against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the leading cause of cervical cancer. By targeting high-risk HPV strains through timely immunisation, the initiative seeks to significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and lower the long-term disease burden across the country.
Health officials said the programme represents a proactive approach towards women's health by emphasising prevention, early intervention, and improved public awareness. The initiative is expected to strengthen routine immunisation services while contributing to India's broader goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health concern.
On the occasion, 33 ambulances were flagged off for deployment across various districts of Manipur to strengthen emergency medical services. The addition of the new ambulances is expected to improve emergency response capabilities, facilitate faster patient transportation, and enhance access to healthcare, particularly in remote and underserved areas of the state.
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During the programme, authorities also reviewed infrastructure at JNIMS and directed the immediate improvement of internal roads within the institute's campus. Officials instructed the concerned agencies to complete the road strengthening work within one week to ensure smoother movement of patients, healthcare workers, and emergency vehicles.
Officials reaffirmed the State Government's commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding preventive health programmes, and improving emergency medical services. They stated that initiatives such as the HPV vaccination programme and the deployment of additional ambulances reflect the government's continued efforts to build a healthier, more resilient, and accessible healthcare system for the people of Manipur.
