Push for cervical cancer vaccination, new medical colleges in Budget 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday announced a push for cervical cancer vaccination in girls, new medical colleges and an extension of Ayushman Bharat cover to ASHA and Anganwadi workers.

The announcements were made during the Union Budget 2024, which was presented by the Finance Minister in the new Parliament.

Cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common type of cancer in the world, is the second-biggest killer of women in India. "Our government will encourage vaccination for girls in the age group of 9 to 14 years for the prevention of cervical cancer," Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her Budget speech.

WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER?

Cervical cancer originates in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus which is connected to the vagina. It often develops gradually and may not show apparent symptoms in the early stages.

It is caused by the Human Papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV, which is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) globally.

While many types of HPV are harmless and do not cause any symptoms, others can lead to health problems such as genital warts and various forms of cancer including cervical cancer.

PREVENTION OF CERVICAL CANCER

Just like the Finance Minister mentioned, HPV vaccines can help prevent cervical cancer.

In June 2022, the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) recommended the introduction of the HPV vaccine in the universal immunisation programme for adolescent girls in the 9 to 14 age group with a routine introduction at nine years.

In India, 'Cervavac' is the first indigenous HPV vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer and other HPV-associated cancers.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS IN BUDGET 2024

Apart from this, the Finance Minister mentioned the setting up of more medical colleges for the youth.

"Several youth are ambitious to get qualified as doctors. They aim to serve our people with improved healthcare services. Our government plans to set up more medical colleges by utilising the existing hospital infrastructure under various departments. A committee for this purpose will be set up to examine issues and make relevant recommendations," she said.

Various schemes for maternal and child care will be brought under one comprehensive program for synergy in implementation, Nirmala Sitharaman added.

The Finance Minister mentioned to upgrade of Anganwadi centres under Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 that will be expedited for improved nutrition delivery, early childhood care and development.

The newly designed U-Win platform for managing immunisation and intensified efforts of Mission Indradhanush will also be rolled out expeditiously throughout the country.

Healthcare cover under the Ayushman Bharat scheme will be extended to all ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers, Anganwadi workers and helpers, Sitharaman said.