HPV vaccine camp for police personnel’s children

Police Commissioner Shanka Bratha Bagchi on Saturday expressed hope that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine would be brought under the Centre’s national immunisation programme to strengthen efforts in preventing cervical cancer.

He inaugurated an HPV vaccination camp organised jointly by Natco Trust, Lions Club of Vizag, and Chaitanya Sravanthi, an NGO, at the Police Conference Hall here on Saturday (December 13, 2025). The camp was conducted for girl children of police personnel and home guards in the 9–14 age group.

Commending Dr. Shirin Rahaman, president of Chaitanya Sravanthi, for spearheading the initiative, the Police Commissioner stated that the police department would soon organize an awareness rally along Beach Road to educate the public on cervical cancer and its prevention. He also urged NGOs and voluntary organisations to hold similar health camps for diseases such as hepatitis, pneumonia, and typhoid, noting that police personnel, who work around the clock, are often exposed to adverse weather conditions.

Dr. Rahaman said the HPV vaccine was completely safe and there was no need for concern. Stressing the importance of extending the vaccination programme to rural areas, she said girls in villages must also be covered. Terming the programme an expensive but necessary intervention, she appealed to both the Central and State governments for support. She added that the vaccine is administered in two doses, spaced six months apart.

Retired District Medical and Health Officer Dr. Sarojini and Lions Cancer Hospital Managing Trustee Umamaheswara Rao were among those who also spoke on the occasion.