February 28, 2026 : The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has welcomed the Union government’s decision to offer free HPV vaccination to 14 year old girls across the country. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the association said the move is a significant step toward preventing cervical cancer and protecting the health of millions of women in India.

IMA noted that cervical cancer remains a serious public health concern, and wider access to the Human Papillomavirus vaccine can substantially reduce the disease burden in the coming years. By making the vaccine available free of cost to adolescent girls, the government has taken a strong preventive approach that could save countless lives.

The association also expressed its full support for the national initiative. With more than 1,800 local branches across India, IMA stated that it is fully prepared to assist in spreading awareness, encouraging vaccination, and supporting implementation at the grassroots level.

This collaboration between the government and the medical community is expected to strengthen the country’s fight against cervical cancer and promote long term women’s health.