'Maharashtra May Offer Free Cancer Vaccines To Economically Weaker Sections,' Says Minister Aditi Tatkare

Mumbai: Women and child development minister Aditi Tatkare has announced that the Maharashtra government, under the Mahayuti alliance, is actively considering providing free cancer vaccines to economically weaker sections of society. The move comes in the backdrop of a growing emphasis on women’s health and cancer prevention in the state. Speaking at the event, Tatkare highlighted the importance of early prevention and awareness.

“Cancer often shows no early symptoms and is usually detected at a late stage. It's crucial for girls and women, especially in rural areas, to be educated about this. The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine requires all three doses to be effective, skipping any one dose can render the protection ineffective,” she said. Marking the birthday of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the NCP Yuvati Congress launched a campaign titled “From Awareness to Empowerment.”

As part of this initiative, a free HPV vaccination camp was organised on Wednesday at the Women Development Corporation Hall in Mumbai. Minister Narhari Zirwal stressed the need for such health drives in rural areas. Sports minister Manikrao Kokate said preventive health care is key to avoiding serious illnesses like cancer.