Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Brijesh Chowta has urged adolescent girls across the district to take full advantage of the Centre’s free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive, describing it as a crucial step towards safeguarding women’s health.
Highlighting the importance of preventive healthcare, the MP appealed to girls aged between 14 and 15 years to voluntarily participate in the programme and contribute to the vision of a “Healthy India – Healthy Dakshina Kannada.” He also made a special appeal to mothers to ensure their daughters receive the vaccine soon after the completion of school examinations.
Target set for district-wide coverage
The district administration has set an ambitious target of vaccinating 22,473 adolescent girls in Dakshina Kannada. Officials believe that achieving this target will significantly reduce the long-term risk of cervical cancer among women in the region.
To support the campaign, as many as 2.54 lakh doses of the HPV vaccine have already been supplied free of cost to the state under the National Health Mission. This large-scale allocation is expected to ensure uninterrupted availability throughout the campaign period.
The vaccination drive is scheduled to continue for three months, ending in May, giving eligible beneficiaries ample time to access the service.
Free access a major relief for families
One of the key highlights of the initiative is that the HPV vaccine, which can cost up to ₹8,000 in private hospitals, is being provided completely free of charge at government facilities. This move is expected to ease the financial burden on families while encouraging wider participation.
The vaccine is currently available at primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs), and government hospitals across the district. Health officials have ensured that adequate infrastructure and trained personnel are in place to administer the doses safely.
Awareness and outreach efforts
Emphasising the need for community involvement, Brijesh Chowta called upon the health department to treat the initiative as a mass movement. He urged ASHA workers and other frontline health staff to actively engage with communities, both in rural and urban areas, to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding the HPV vaccine.
Public awareness remains a critical factor in the success of the campaign, as misinformation and hesitancy can hinder participation. The MP stressed that educating parents about the benefits and safety of the vaccine is essential to achieving the district’s target.
“As a representative of the district, I extend my full support to this campaign,” he stated, reiterating his commitment to strengthening healthcare outcomes in Dakshina Kannada.
Registration and eligibility
Eligible beneficiaries can pre-register for vaccination through the U-WIN platform, which allows users to schedule appointments conveniently. Alternatively, girls can directly visit designated government health centres to receive the vaccine.
Authorities have clarified that parental consent is mandatory for administering the vaccine to minors. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children or provide the necessary approval during the visit.
A step towards a healthier future
The HPV vaccine plays a crucial role in preventing infections that can lead to cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers among women in India. By targeting adolescent girls before exposure, the programme aims to provide long-term protection and improve public health outcomes.
Conclusion
The free HPV vaccination drive in Dakshina Kannada represents a significant step in preventive healthcare, with the potential to protect thousands of young girls from future health risks. With strong government support, adequate vaccine supply, and community participation, the initiative is poised to make a lasting impact.
As the campaign progresses, authorities remain hopeful that collective efforts from families, healthcare workers, and local leaders will ensure its success and contribute to building a healthier generation.