India is set to roll out a cancer vaccine meant to protect women from a wide range of cancer diseases.
According to a report on 20 February, the vaccine which will be available in five to six months is targeted at girls between the ages of 9 to 16 and is already on trial.
Keeping women free from cancer
The vaccine idea is aimed at securing the future of women when it comes to cancer. This is why it is meant for young girls who are not expected to already have the disease.
Being a wide spectrum vaccine, it prevents breast, oral, and cervical cancers, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Addressing a press conference on 18 February, Prataprao Jadhav, the Union Minister of State for Health, Family Welfare said that the research for the vaccine is in its final stages and will be rolled out soon this year.
“The number of cancer patients has increased in the country, and the Central government has initiated steps to address this issue. Women above 30 will undergo screening at hospitals, and daycare cancer centres will be established for early detection of the disease.”
To further support the fight against cancer, the government has waived off customs duty for medicines used in the treatment of cancer and other terminal illnesses.
A new policy also enforces mandatory screening for women over 30 at hospitals and daycare cancer centres to facilitate early detection and treatment of the disease.
Joining the cancer fight
India is the latest country to announce the release of a cancer vaccine, following in the footsteps of others like Russia and Iran.
Russia rolled out its anti-cancer vaccine last year, which it said will be free for all citizens. Iran also later announced plans to roll out its own cancer vaccine by summer this year, and now India joins the list of top countries leading the fight against cancer.
ReadNext
