Taking a landmark step in cancer prevention, the State Cancer Institute (SCI) at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu on Thursday launched a free vaccination drive against cervical cancer.
The initiative—first of its kind in Jammu and Kashmir—was inaugurated by Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, in the presence of Arvind Gupta (MLA Jammu West) and Vikram Randhawa (MLA Bahu).
Speaking at the event, the Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to safeguarding women’s health and building a cancer-free future. She stressed the importance of raising awareness about the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine and urged the Departments of Social Welfare and School Education to work in close coordination with the Health Department to expand the drive.
Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Principal and Dean of GMC Jammu, noted that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the region, with persistent HPV infection being the primary risk factor. He highlighted that the disease is largely preventable through timely HPV immunization.
Adding further, Dr Robina Mirza, HoD Obstetrics and Gynaecology, shared insights into the prevalence and health implications of cervical cancer.
Dr Bhavna Langer, Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, presented a roadmap to make J&K cervical cancer-free by 2030. She announced that the vaccine would be provided free of cost to girls aged 9–15 years at the Preventive Oncology OPD of the SCI Jammu, as well as through outreach sessions in schools, anganwadi centres, and urban slums.
The campaign was coordinated by Dr Deepak Kumar, Deputy MS, SCI Jammu. The event also saw participation from the Director School Education Jammu, MD JKMSCL, HoDs, Unit Heads, and Medical Superintendents of GMC and its associated hospitals.
Meanwhile, Minister Sakeena Itoo also addressed the two-day International Conference on Emerging Trends in Multidisciplinary Research (ICETMR-2025) at Government Gandhi Memorial (GGM) Science College, Jammu.
The event was attended by MLA Jammu East Yudhveer Sethi, Additional Chief Secretary (Higher Education) Shantmanu, Vice Chancellor Cluster University Prof K S Chadrasekar, Prof Rajnikant of Jammu University, Principal GGM Science College Prof Romesh Kumar Gupta, besides other academicians and dignitaries.
In her presidential address, the Minister emphasized the importance of innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and critical thinking among researchers to tackle global challenges. She also released the Abstract Book and College Newsletter, and e-inaugurated several new facilities including the Skill Tower, renovated Physics and Chemistry Block, Geography Block, Conference Hall, and Browsing Centre at GGM Science College. (Agencies)
