Free HPV Vaccination Drive For Girls Begins At Indore's MTH Hospital

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): On World Health Day, a free HPV vaccination drive is being launched from Monday at government-run MTH Hospital, affiliated with MGM Medical College.

The initiative aims to prevent cervical cancer by vaccinating girls aged 9 to 14 years from economically weaker sections.

The vaccine protects against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection that spreads through skin-to-skin contact.

There are over 40 known strains of HPV, some of which can lead to cervical, oral, throat, head, and neck cancers, while others may cause genital warts.

The HPV vaccine guards against the most dangerous strains- especially types 6, 11, 16, and 18- which are known to cause severe health issues. The campaign is being conducted jointly by the Indore Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, led by Dr Sumitra Yadav, in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The vaccination will be administered free of cost to girls from BPL (below poverty line) families. To avail the vaccine, eligible girls must bring a birth certificate or school ID, Aadhaar card, and one parent's Aadhaar card for consent.

The vaccine, which normally costs around Rs 9,000 per shot, will be provided free of charge from April 7 to April 12, between 9 am and 6 pm at Room G2 of MTH Hospital. A dedicated help desk has also been set up for assistance.

Dr Arvind Ghanghoria, dean of MGM Medical College, supported arrangement of staff and facilities for the drive.