-Mohali, July 29: A Free Cervical Cancer Vaccination Drive for Economically Weaker Section girls was conducted by The Touch Clinic in Association with Rotary – AOGIN (Asia Oceania Research Organization in Genital Infection & Neoplasia) and Rotary Club Chandigarh at Mohali’s The Touch Clinic.
The vaccination drive which was a major step toward preventive women’s healthcare, took place under the expert stewardship of Dr Preeti Jindal, Director The Touch Clinic, Mohali; Senior Consultant Gynaecologist, IVF Specialist, High Risk Pregnancy expert and Robotic Surgeon. Fifty (50) girls from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) benefitted from the camp.
Dr. Preeti Jindal stated: “Prevention is the most powerful tool we have in healthcare. Through this initiative, our aim is to ensure that even the most underserved girls in our community get access to this life-saving vaccine. Every girl deserves protection from a cancer that can be stopped before it starts.”
Dr Preeti Jindal held the drive under a social initiative of the clinic. Dr Preeti provided a vaccine which normally costs Rs. 4000 free of cost to the needy girls.
Dr Preeti informed that cervical cancer which occurs in the lower part of the uterus, called the cervix, is the second most common cancer in Indian women, with more than 120,000 new cases each year. She added that tragically, India accounts for nearly a third of all cervical cancer deaths globally.
Dr Preeti further said that, “The good news is that there is now an HPV vaccine available that protects against the virus and helps prevent cervical cancer. This vaccine works best when given to girls between the ages of 9 to 14, ideally before they become sexually active. Doctors and the government now strongly recommend this vaccine for young girls to build protection early.”
Notably, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common viral infection, is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer. It is pertinent to state here that the HPV vaccine offers effective protection against the most dangerous strains of the virus. When administered before exposure (typically in adolescence), it can reduce the risk of cervical cancer by up to 90%.
Unfortunately, due to lack of awareness and financial challenges, many girls from poor families are not able to get this vaccine. That’s why it’s important for doctors, NGOs, and responsible citizens to come together and provide free or low-cost vaccination for these children. In this regard, The Touch Clinic has set an example worth emulating by other health service providers.
Meanwhile, this vaccination drive was a step toward achieving India’s vision of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030, in line with WHO targets. It also demonstrated how committed collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations can lead to lasting impact.
