Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav announced on Tuesday that a vaccine to combat cancers affecting women will be available in the next five to six months. The vaccine will be available for girls aged nine to 16 years.
Speaking at a press conference, Jadhav, who serves as the Union Minister of State for Health, Family Welfare, and Ayush (Independent Charge), shared that research on the vaccine is nearly complete and trials are 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 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,” Union Minister added.
Jadhav further mentioned that the government has waived customs duties on medicines used in cancer treatment. He also clarified that the vaccine will target breast, oral, and cervical cancers.
In response to questions about healthcare facilities, Jadhav explained that hospitals already have Ayush departments where people can avail of these services. "There are 12,500 such health facilities across the country, and the government is increasing them," he said.