CK Birla Hospitals launches massive cervical cancer fight: 5,000 women set to receive life-saving HPV vaccine!

The initiative is being implemented through CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, and CMRI, Kolkata, reaching schools, community groups, and neighbouring areas in Rajasthan and West Bengal. Alongside the vaccination drive, both hospitals are conducting comprehensive awareness sessions to educate young girls, parents, and the wider public about HPV, cervical cancer risk factors, and the importance of early preventive care.

As part of the initiative, CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur and CMRI, Kolkata have set up dedicated clinics offering free HPV vaccination for eligible beneficiaries, ensuring easier access for families seeking preventive care.

The multi-city vaccination drive includes interactive awareness sessions led by clinical experts from CK Birla Hospitals, held in schools and communities across the region. These sessions have seen active participation, with students and parents engaging in discussions about vaccine safety, fertility, long-term effectiveness, and eligibility.

Experts clarified that the HPV vaccine is globally recognized as safe[ii], does not affect fertility[iii], and is one of the most effective ways to prevent HPV-related cancers.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Parnamita Bhattacharya, Senior Consultant, Gynaecologist, and Obstetrician, CK Birla Hospitals – CMRI Kolkata, added: “We are seeing growing curiosity and awareness among young girls and parents, which is a positive shift. Many families want clarity on safety, fertility, and long-term protection, and it is important for them to know that the HPV vaccine is safe[v], globally recommended, and one of the most powerful first steps in the fight against cervical cancer.

"When given at the right age, it acts as a strong shield not only against cervical cancer but also against vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. By ensuring wider access and sustained awareness, we are taking meaningful steps toward protecting the next generation from preventable cancers.”

India continues to face one of the highest cervical cancer burdens globally, with more than 127,000 women diagnosed and nearly 79,000 dying annually.

This translates to nine women dying every hour[viii] from a disease that is largely preventable. Without timely intervention, new cervical cancer cases in India are projected to rise by 54% between 2020 and 2040.

In India, over 80% of cervical cancer cases are linked to HPV types 16 and 18. Global evidence confirms that timely HPV vaccination can prevent up to 90% of cervical cancer cases.

Arpit Jain, Vice President, CK Birla Hospitals, said: “At CK Birla Hospitals, we believe that prevention is the strongest form of care, and our goal is to ensure that no family suffers from a cancer that can be prevented. Through this vaccination drive and our broader awareness initiatives, we aim to protect young girls today and build a healthier generation for tomorrow.

"Our commitment to the #FightAgainstCervicalCancer is long-term—strengthening access, driving awareness, and championing preventive healthcare across communities.”

Countries with widespread HPV immunization have already reported dramatic declines in precancerous lesions and early-stage disease. Expanding this protection in India, especially through community-led vaccination drives, has the potential to save thousands of lives every year[xiii] and significantly reduce the future burden of cervical cancer.

This initiative reinforces CK Birla Hospitals’ larger commitment to advancing women’s health, cancer prevention, and community well-being. Through coordinated efforts across its hospital network, the group continues to invest in public health education, and multi-city vaccination campaigns to support a cancer-free future.