Tamil Nadu Becomes First State in India to Offer Free Cancer Vaccination for Girls Aged 1–14

Tamil Nadu has made a historic move in public healthcare, becoming the first Indian state to launch a free cancer vaccination programme for young girls. This landmark initiative focuses on protecting girls aged 1 to 14 years from life-threatening cancers such as cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers affecting women in India.

The Tamil Nadu government has allocated ₹38 crore to kick-start this programme, demonstrating its strong commitment to the health and future of young citizens. Announcing the initiative during a breast cancer awareness walkathon in Chennai, Health Minister Ma. Subramanian confirmed that the vaccination drive will begin soon, covering schools and health centres across the state.

Why This Programme Matters

Cervical cancer is primarily caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and is preventable through timely vaccination. This new initiative aims to:

Strengthen early cancer prevention
Reduce future cervical cancer cases among women
Improve overall health and immunity among children
Create awareness about cancer prevention at the community level

Promoting Healthy Habits and Awareness

Apart from vaccination, the minister urged citizens to adopt healthy lifestyles, including regular physical activity and early health check-ups. He emphasised that awareness and prevention are key tools in reducing cancer risks.

A Major Step for India

With this progressive move, Tamil Nadu is setting an example for the rest of the country highlighting how public health investments can protect millions of lives and build a healthier future for upcoming generations.