Cancer cases are rising rapidly across the country, and not just due to smoking or addiction, but also because of unhealthy diets and changing lifestyles. In a significant step towards public health, the Maharashtra government has announced a free cancer vaccination program for girls aged 0-14 years to curb the growing threat of cancer.
State Health Minister Prakash Abitkar made the announcement on Saturday, stating that the decision was taken considering the increasing number of cancer cases in the state. The government believes that timely vaccination can prevent this life-threatening disease.
According to Abitkar, he had requested Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar to approve free cancer vaccination for girls up to 14 years of age, which has now been approved. The vaccination drive will soon be implemented across the state.
The health minister highlighted that changing lifestyles have led to a rise in cancer cases in both rural and urban areas. “Earlier, cancer was mainly associated with smoking or addiction, but now it is affecting people across all age groups, including children. This is extremely concerning,” said Abitkar.
Relief for Poor Families
The government’s decision comes as a major relief, especially for poor and middle-class families who cannot afford expensive cancer vaccines. If implemented effectively, this scheme could become a significant step in cancer prevention.
Bird Flu Alert in Vidarbha
Alongside the vaccination announcement, the Maharashtra government has also issued an alert for bird flu in Vidarbha after cases of avian influenza were confirmed in crows. However, there have been no reported cases of human infection so far.
Minister Abitkar said that samples from suspected patients have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for testing. As a precautionary measure, chicken shops in affected areas have been temporarily closed.
